Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1088. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans for a review of the voluntary contribution in primary and secondary schools, with a view to removing this financial burden on parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40557/22]
View answerVoluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement 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. Section 64 of the Education (Admissions to schools) Act 2018, which was commenced in 2018 explicitly prohibits the charging of admission and enrolment fees for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school, with some exceptions such as boarding or fee charging schools.
My Department is also continuing to progress the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill has been passed by the Seanad and last July passed second stage in the Dáil and is currently awaiting progression to Committee Stage.
The overall aim of the Bill is to improve the level of engagement between the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from students and parents and by further developing a listening culture in schools.
One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with the school community on individual school plans, policies and activities.
This approach will help ensure that the various views of staff, students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools on policies and issues including back to school costs.
The Bill also provides for schools to provide financial information to students and parents, including information regarding voluntary contributions and how they are spent.
