Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
328. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education her policy in relation to whether DEIS secondary schools can oblige parents of school pupils to pay an administration charge and a voluntary contribution before allowing the pupil to enrol in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34366/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Education (Admission to Schools) Act, 2018, specifically prohibits 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. This applies to all recognised primary and post primary schools with exceptions only for fee charging secondary schools, boarding schools and schools that provide post leaving courses or courses in further education in respect of these courses.
Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised schools 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 such 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. However, no charge can be requested as a condition of admission to a school placement.
The Department recognises the current additional financial burden on schools and has provided additional operational supports for Primary and Post Primary schools to fully and safely operate in a sustainable way while minimising risk associated with COVID-19.
