Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:62. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reduce the burden placed on parents through voluntary contributions. [19323/20]
View answerThursday, 30 July 2020
Questions (62)
Written answers
Voluntary contributions may be sought from parents of pupils in recognised schools 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 and that a child’s place in the school or continued enrolment is not dependant on a willingness to make a contribution.
The manner in which 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.
A school may seek payment to cover the cost of photocopied or other such learning materials where the amount sought by the school is consistent with the costs involved and the level of materials provided. It is also permissible for a school to seek payments in respect of extra-curricular activities provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate. No charge may be made, however, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 prohibits the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions as part of the school admission process or for continued enrolment in the school.
My Department is providing capital and current funding of an additional €377 million to support the safe and sustainable reopening of schools under the Roadmap.
The supports are comprehensive across a range of areas, including funding for getting schools ready, for providing for additional supervision and substitution, and providing additional teachers to help with physical distancing and class sizes. Funding will also be provided for management supports and enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures. It will not be necessary for individual schools to raise funding for this purpose.