Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:92 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education the Government's policy at present on the provision of free education.
Written Answers. - Free Education.
In the case of primary schools the State pays a capitation grant which, taken together with a contribution from local sources, provides for free primary education. The local contribution must be provided by the parish community or other analogous community or body from general funds and there must be no levy on parents of children attending the school.
Similarly in the case of secondary schools the Department pays a capitation grant towards the running costs of the schools. Voluntary contributions by parents are permissable under this arrangement provided it is made absolutely clear that there is no question of compulsion involved, and that no sanctions are imposed on pupils whose parents choose not to make such a contribution.
In the case of Vocational, Community and Comprehensive Schools direct grants are made to the school management authorities towards the operating costs and, again, no fees can be levied on individual pupils.