Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
501. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated amount taken in by schools annually in the form of voluntary contributions at both primary and post-primary levels by county in tabular form. [32841/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s position in relation to voluntary contributions is that they are permissible provided it is made very 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.
My Department does not hold records regarding voluntary contributions received by schools.
However, I intend to shortly publish the Student and Parent Charter Bill. One of the key concepts in the Bill is the need for schools to provide information to parents and students. Each school will be required to prepare, publish and implement a Student and Parent Charter in accordance with national guidelines to be made by the Minister. The charter guidelines will specify the content of charters, including the information to be provided to students and parents relating to the monies that the school receives (including voluntary contributions made by parents) and the expenditure of those monies.
