Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
226. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills when plans to restore the capitation grant to schools, as set out in the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019, will be realised; if the restoration will include a prohibition on the practice of schools seeking so-called voluntary contributions from parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30308/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when plans to restore the capitation grant to schools, as set out in the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019, will be realised; and if the restoration will include a prohibition on the practice of schools seeking so-called voluntary contributions from parents (details supplied). [30337/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 231 together.
I do recognise the need to improve capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years. Budget 2017 represents the start of a major programme of reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade.
The Action Plan outlines hundreds of actions to be implemented over the 3 year period 2016 to 2019. One of the actions as part of the plan is to strengthen the focus on reducing school costs for parents. The plan also integrates with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to increase capitation funding and to set out capitation rates to schools on a rolling 3-year basis, allowing for forward planning by schools.
It was not possible to provide additional funding in Budget 2017 in relation to this element of the Action Plan due to the many competing demands for the available funding. However, this commitment remains a priority for me to address as soon as possible during the lifetime of the Action Plan.
My Department's position in relation to voluntary contributions is that they are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay. I have no plans to alter this position so long as schools ensure that the contributions are sought in a manner that makes this clear to all concerned.
Separately, the Deputy will be aware that the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, which was published on 6th July 2016, contains a provision prohibiting 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.
I also intend to introduce a stronger complaints procedure and a charter for parents. It is important that schools should consult parents on matters relating to their children's education, including those matters which have cost implications, and schools should be responsive to the views and concerns of parents. In that regard requiring schools to have a parent charter will ensure that schools will interact better with parent associations and with individual parents.
I plan to make an announcement shortly on draft legislation that will replace Section 28 of the Education Act, 1998 and require every school to publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter in accordance with national guidelines. These guidelines will be published after consultation with the education partners.
