Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
175. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will introduce a policy in schools and colleges which will make sure that cash can be used by students for the purchase of goods and services within the school or college (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40903/23]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school including the charging of fees for any additional supplies provided by the school.
In response to the National Payments Plan, the Department took steps from 2014 onwards to address the issue of payments in schools. In late 2017 a central arrangement for payments solutions for schools was made available which allows schools to accept payments in a range of formats, including cash payments. The central arrangements for payments solutions was refreshed in September 2022. The solutions available for schools to use under these arrangements will continue to facilitate cash payments for those schools that choose to avail of these arrangements.
