Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
255. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an audit has been carried out of those schools with vending machines in order to assess the income levels provided and determine the way in which schools can develop alternative sources of income; if not, the reason therefor; if the matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40048/18]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998 the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.
My Department is not aware if any audit has been carried out on those schools where vending machines have been installed by the school Board of Management. It is a matter for each individual school to determine the nature of any fundraising activities that they become involved in.
Restoring capitation funding as resources permit is one of the actions included in the Action Plan for Education and I remain committed to achieving this. However, I must be prudent in the context of ongoing budgetary pressures and prioritise where it is not possible to do everything that I would like to do in the education sector in any one year.
