Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that the circular be reissued to schools or that schools are reminded of this. Barnardos undertook research into this recently which shows that 56% of primary schools and 69% of secondary schools, which is a very large number, still have a voluntary contribution. I understand it is illegal. I am not saying the message is not being passed on to schools, but they are not picking it up. Much of it comes down to funding. We cannot get away from the fact that schools experienced many funding cuts in recent years. I urge that the circular be reissued to schools. If a charter is to be put in place, that will be welcome. We talk a good deal about mental health and children's mental health. It is very difficult for a child to go to school feeling different because there is something for which they cannot pay. We should be trying to avoid that situation at all costs for children.

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