Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment.

It is important that there be greater transparency in the area of voluntary contributions. Parents face great difficulties on this and many are not in favour of them - they are classed as voluntary but many parents feel they have no choice. This was highlighted previously in the education committee when we discussed the issue. Some schools have a system where a pupil will not be given a locker key, or the like, until a voluntary contribution is paid. I understand that schools are in a difficult situation due to capitation cuts and so on - they are massively underfunded on a day-to-day basis. What are school principals supposed to do when, due to insufficient capitation, they do not have sufficient money to pay for light, heat and basic necessities? Principals and teachers are caught between a rock and a hard place as they would prefer schools not to seek voluntary contributions. Voluntary contributions contradict constitutional commitments to free education. This is a big issue and greater transparency is required.

Another problem in recent years is that schools that do not receive a minor works grant end up seeking more funding from parents. In such circumstances, parents dip into their pockets to pay for minor building issues in schools that should be covered by a minor works grant. Will the Minister confirm whether there will be a minor works grant in the current school year? Parents face real pressure when they are asked to pay for broken radiators and minor problems that arise.