Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
382. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if her Department has engaged with schools to ensure that the rising costs for families with school-going children are reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27378/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a range of measures in place to reduce back to school costs and also to help families with these costs. My Department published a Circular in 2017 which sets out principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school. Under these measures, schools are required to select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from an array of retailers. Only “iron on” or “sew on” crests should be used.
The Circular also sets out that schools should consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives in relation to school uniforms.
My Department supports schools to help reduce the cost of school books. Schools are expected to adopt a cost-conscious approach to the selection of books. Under the Book Rental Scheme, the Department provided funding of €17.2 million in 2021 to schools. 96% of primary schools and 69% of post primary schools operate a book rental scheme for parents. Additional funding of €1million was provided under Budget 2020 to provide free books in DEIS primary schools on a pilot basis.
Under Circular 46/2013 DEIS primary schools receive a book grant of €21 per pupil. This pilot provided an additional €64 per pupil to increase the overall book grant rate to €85 per pupil enrolled in the school. This is in line with the costings as set out in the 2019 Barnardos report on the Real Cost of School which states that €85 is the average cost of school books at primary school level. This funding was allocated to 102 DEIS primary schools for a new pilot programme for the 2020/21 school year. This funding continued for the 2021/22 school year.
The aim of this pilot is to provide free school books for students in the schools involved, and to support these schools in eliminating the cost of school books for parents. It will continue to run for the 2021/22 school year and its effectiveness and impact will be monitored and evaluated before any decision is made as regards its possible extension or continuation. It is my intention to complete this process as soon as possible.
I recently announced the expansion of the DEIS programme benefitting 347 schools - 310 schools will be included in DEIS for the first time and 37 existing DEIS primary schools are being reclassified and will be eligible for increased supports. Schools in the DEIS programme are provided with additional financial support by way of a DEIS grant and an enhanced school book grant rate.
I also understand the need for improved capitation funding to schools for running costs and I am pleased that Budgets 2020 and 2019 provided for increases in standard capitation funding for primary schools. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
In addition to these measures, in recognition of the pressures facing families, the Government this year has reduced the cost of the school transport scheme for families for the coming school year. The cap of school transport fees that currently stands at €220 per family at primary level and €650 per family at post primary level will be reduced to €150 per family at primary level and €500 per family at post primary level. Furthermore all examination fees have been waived.
Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised schools are permissible only where it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay.
The Programme for Government 2020 contains a commitment to enacting the Student and Parent Charter Bill 2019. The overall aim of this legislation is to foster a more inclusive culture in all schools by improving the level of engagement between the school communities. The Bill will enable the whole school community to be better informed about matters relating to their school including school costs, plans and policies.
