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Education Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Questions (764)

Carol Nolan

Question:

764. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will conduct a review on the possibility of ending the voluntary contribution system in non-fee paying primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32970/20]

View answer

Written answers

Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised 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.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act, 2018, prohibits the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions for an application for admission to a school or for the enrolment or continued enrolment of a student in a school.

A school may, however, seek payment to cover the cost of photocopying 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.

My Department recognises the current additional financial burden on schools and has provided operational supports for Primary and Post Primary schools to fully and safely operate in a sustainable way while minimising risk associated with COVID-19.

On 27 July last the Government published the Roadmap for the Full Return to School, along with details of a significant financial package to support the implementation of the measures in the roadmap. The package of supports is expected to cost in excess of €437 million in the 2020/2021 school year and this includes funding for a range of supports being made available to schools includes additional financial supports to provide for additional staffing, management supports, enhanced cleaning, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment costs under the Covid-19 response plans. This funding should ensure that there is no additional financial burden placed on schools as a result of the current pandemic.

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