Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
500. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure that parents are not pressurised by schools into paying voluntary contributions; his plans to ensure that such contributions are actually voluntary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32958/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraVoluntary contributions by parents are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition.
The manner in which 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.
Apart from those recognised fee-charging second level schools, recognised primary and post primary schools are precluded from charging school fees. No charge may be made, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part. A school may, however, seek payment to cover the cost of photocopying or other such learning materials where the amount sought by the school is consistent with the costs involved and the level of materials provided. It is also permissible for a school to seek payments in respect of extra-curricular activities provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 was signed by the President on the 18th July 2018. The Act, when commenced, will prohibit the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions as a condition of an application for admission or as a condition of the admission or continued enrolment of a student in the school. The Act will also require schools to include a declaration to this effect in their published admission policies.
I also believe that schools need to be accountable to parents and we need greater levels of communication, engagement and transparency in how schools serve their communities. Better information for parents, including information in relation to the collection and use of voluntary contributions, is an issue that I will be looking at in the context of my Department's work on a Parents' and Students' Charter.
