Education Minister Norma Foley said no parent should be forced to pay voluntary contributions to the school, reports Breaking News.
Ms Foley spoke at an event to mark the government’s €53m scheme for free books for primary school pupils from September.
Asked by journalists about charging families with separate costs of voluntary contributions, the minister said that he was aware of the financial burden on parents and guardians.
“I want to be very clear in terms of voluntary contributions: No parent can be compelled to make a voluntary contribution to the school,” reports Breaking News.
She said this is provided for in the Education Act and that parents cannot be charged for any educational services provided in the curriculum.
“We’re asking schools also be mindful – no parents, no guardian can be compelled to make a contribution,” reports Breaking News.
Asked whether she would call on boards to ban voluntary contributions, Ms Foley said government funding for education had increased by €1.5 billion in the last three years.
“We have recognised the difficulties for schools. We have increased by €90 million in terms of funding to provide for energy costs and and all of that, but I am saying to please be cognisant of the burdens that are placed on (parents and guardians),” reports Breaking News.
When asked whether the government’s ambition is to provide schools with adequate funding, so that they do not have to apply for voluntary subsidies.
Ms Foley said: “There has never been as much money going into education as we have going in presently, I don’t underestimate the challenge that schools are facing,” reports Breaking News.
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