Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1049. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that all schools offer the ability to pay in cash for fees, field trips and other goods and services offered by and or through them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school including the charging and collection of legitimate school fees.
In response to the National Payments Plan, the Department took steps from 2014 onwards to address the issue of payments in schools. In late 2017 a central arrangement for payments solutions for schools was made available which allows schools to accept payments in a range of formats, including cash payments. The central arrangements for payments solutions are currently being refreshed and it is expected that the solutions available for schools to use under these arrangements will continue to facilitate cash payments for those schools that choose to avail of these arrangements.
