Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Registration fees are absolutely illegal; that is very clear. Schools may seek voluntary contributions in recognised schools 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 and that a child’s place in the school or continued enrolment is not dependent on a willingness to make a contribution.

The manner in which 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.

A school may seek payment to cover the cost of photocopied or other such learning materials where the amount sought by the school is consistent with the costs involved and the level of materials provided. It is also permissible for a school to seek payments in respect of extracurricular activities provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether to participate. No charge may be made, however, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum, or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 clarifies this by prohibiting the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions as part of the school admission process or for continued enrolment in the school. As the Deputy is aware, that Bill will soon proceed to Report Stage.

I am very conscious of the burden which can be placed on parents by the costs associated with school attendance. That is the reason I issued a circular to schools requiring a keen cost approach to the selection of items which could impose costs and requiring consultation with parents on the elements that can create costs. My colleague, the Minister for Employment and Social Protection, also made provision this year for a 25% increase in the back to school allowance and a significant expansion in school meals programmes.

The parents and students charter, legislation on which is currently before the committee for prelegislative scrutiny, will require schools to publish data on what voluntary contributions are used for.

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