Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2005
382 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 is requesting voluntary contributions of €725 to €1,250 per child per term from parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7497/05]
View answerVoluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary 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.
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has temporary recognition. All issues, including the matter of payment of fees, would be taken into account in the context of consideration being given to extending permanent recognition to the school.
