Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ó Ríordáin for bringing this Bill forward. As has been stated, the Government is not opposing it. We must go back and look at the 2018 circular. In the Action Plan for Education an increased capitation grant was sought. For 2019, I know there will be an extra 5% in the capitation grant for primary and secondary schools. The Action Plan for Education set out that the Department would issue a circular on something the Minister is very conscious of, namely, the increase in the cost of uniforms. A circular was sent to all schools and parents' associations saying that, where possible, school uniforms should be purchasable from various stores and that crests should be then put on the uniform. Many measures have been suggested by the Minister and the Department to keep down fees.

I am not sure about Dublin. Listening to the Senators there seems to be an issue in Dublin with schools demanding voluntary contributions. I am involved in a few schools and we have students coming in whose families could not afford to pay voluntary contributions and they have never been found wanting or left behind in terms of the school tour or getting school books or the uniform. It is most important that there is inclusivity and that everybody is included. We have many students who come from backgrounds where they could not afford to pay the full amount for a uniform, for school books or to go on the school tour. Recently, in the case of a student who could not afford to go on a school trip, the fees were covered by the parents association or the school. Much is happening behind the scenes where students who cannot afford to pay any fees are being supported.In 2017 the Bill was brought forward by the Department and it prohibits fees. I know that voluntary contributions are made by parents and that people have the option of participating, but I have not found that pressure is being put on families to contribute. That is really important.

I note that the Minister and his Department have introduced a parental charter and that the scheme is being drafted. It is important because parents will have an input into how schools are run and what happens in them. I know from speaking to and working with parents that they believe their views are being listened to. It is important that there will be accountability for how schools are run and money is spent.

We all want fairness for everybody and that is the kernel of the Bill. I know from speaking to the Minister that that is what he wants to see. He certainly wants to work with schools and parents to keep down prohibitive costs because, as we know, the cost of everything is increasing continually. The Bill seeks to include everybody and treat everyone the same. I commend the Senators involved in bringing forward the legislation. I know that the Minister is willing to work with everybody concerned to ensure fairness for everybody. If a student or family cannot afford to make a contribution, it is important that they not be singled out. In my experience such persons are included and nobody knows their predicament. That is really important and a message that must be conveyed. We must ensure costs are kept down, including the cost of uniforms and by way of book rental schemes. I come from Limerick where a very good charity, Gateway to Education, was set up by a volunteer. It arranges for third level students to give grinds to pupils on a voluntary basis. One can also buy a school uniform for between €2 and €3. The charity encourages students to donate their uniforms when they have completed their leaving certificate examinations. It also has up-to-date educational books for all subjects available. People can buy books from it, but if they cannot afford to do so, they will be given them for free.

There are many services available, although I agree that in some places people are put under pressure. However, nobody should feel under pressure and that is what we are seeking to achieve with this legislation. We support the sentiments of Senator Ó Ríordáin and commend him on what he has brought forward.