Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her contribution. I agree that we need to ensure parents and the wider school community are given as much information as possible regarding the funds available to schools. They need to be accountable to parents and we need greater levels of engagement, communication and transparency in how schools serve their community. The Government approved in March the drafting of the education (admission to schools) Bill, and the general scheme has since been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. We will bring forward legislative proposals relating to school admissions and they will prohibit the charging of any fees or contributions as part of a school's admissions policy. In addition, a parent and student charter will be introduced and this is probably a more appropriate context in which to address the issue the Senator has rightly raised. While I do not propose to accept the amendments, I assure Senators that information for parents, including information relating to the collection and use of voluntary contributions, is an issue I will examine in the context of the charter and the proposed school admissions Bill. That is a more appropriate way to address it.