Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
266. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the estimated full-year cost of making primary and post-primary education totally free, i.e., abolishing all charges (including voluntary contributions), providing free school uniforms, books and all other required equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24105/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department is voted over €10bn in the annual REV for 2023. This represents a substantial investment in our education system and in our children and young people.
There are many different aspects to a child progressing through our school system and costs associated with these. These include school books, school uniforms, school transport and extra-curricular activities such as school trips. These vary from pupil to pupil and therefore, it is not possible to put a figure on all these costs, as requested by the Deputy.
However, I can confirm that my Department provides grant funding to schools to cater for various costs, including school running costs, ancillary services and minor works. There are various circulars from my Department that give guidance on the use of such funding. They also provide discretion to the school authorities in determining the level of activities, equipment and other resources needed by pupils enrolled in their individual schools. This recognises that schools are best-positioned to determine the priorities in their own particular school environment.
In recognition of the particular challenges facing some schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity (DEIS) Programme addresses educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way. I have increased the overall allocation for the DEIS programme to €180 million in 2023.
In addition, I have introduced the first free primary school book scheme, which will ensure that all primary school pupils will have access to free books this coming September. I have allocated over €50m to this scheme, which will benefit over 558,000 pupils.
I have also reduced the charges on school transport for the coming 2023/34 school year and introduced a waiver for this year's entry fees for students sitting the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations.
When allocating the additional cost of living funding of €90m to support schools facing increased running costs, the relevant Circular from my Department made clear my expectation that this additional funding should mean that schools would not have to seek additional contributions from parents as a consequence of the increased in the cost of living. While voluntary contributions may be requested by schools, it is important to note that it must be 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 choice.
In addition, supports are provided to parents of children attending school by my colleague the Minister for Social Protection through the payment of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear allowance on an annual basis.
