Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that this Bill is not the place to do that, but it is an opportunity for us to put the matter on the agenda again. When drafting legislation to give some structure to the situation, having it ruled out of order because it would be a cost to the Exchequer is frustrating. By their nature, voluntary contributions are essential for many schools if they are to keep operating, given the cuts in capitation grants and elsewhere. Many schools are struggling to meet their targets and balance the books. However, there is significant pressure on parents to try to match those voluntary contributions. In some schools I know, one has no access to a locker if a voluntary contribution is not paid. I am sure this is replicated in many other schools outside my constituency. While the contributions may be voluntary in theory, in practice many schools give the impression that they must be paid if a student is to receive the same level of service that others receive. It is frustrating that we do not know how much schools are taking in in voluntary contributions or how that money is being spent. There is no record-keeping in that regard. I am sure that the money is somewhere in the overall financial records, but if parents are being asked to pay voluntary contributions towards the running of a school, safeguards need to be put in place in order that they can be assured that their contributions are being used for what they were intended.