Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Deputy has highlighted a very important issue. We need to reiterate that no parent can be charged for enrolment to a school or for tuition in any subject. Section 64 of the Act makes that explicitly clear.

This school has said it never intended for any link to be made between enrolment and the paying of a fee. The school has categorically confirmed that it does not charge an admission fee and that the fee was never intended to be a fee for enrolment. The school has said, and it has been confirmed, that it has never refused admission to any student based on the fact the student cannot afford to pay. In this instance, as I said, immediate contact was made with the school and immediate clarity was sought. The school in question has confirmed that it will contact all parents in this regard, should there have been any misunderstanding anywhere along the line.

I want to be explicit that it is not and never will be acceptable to charge any fee either for enrolment or tuition of any subject on the curriculum.

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