Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
236. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants that were cut in respect of a school (details supplied) this school year and the date on which the school was notified of these cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50946/12]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware Budget 2012 provided for a 2% reduction in the funding for capitation and related grants to primary and second level schools in both 2012 and 2013 and a further 1% in 2014 and 2015.
Due to my decision last February to retain posts from previous disadvantage schemes in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 primary schools, it was necessary to generate alternative savings within the primary education budget. This was achieved by bringing forward to this year 1.5% of the 2% reduction in overall capitation funding originally scheduled for 2013.
I understand, from contact that my officials have made with the Deputy's office that Deputy is also referring to the issue of schools seeking financial contributions from parents.
Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management; however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.
