Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has issued any guidelines in respect of schools within the free education scheme that levy a top-up fee on parents; if she has considered the case of a school (details supplied) in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5615/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided it is made clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management. However their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.

The school referred to by the Deputy has temporary recognition. All issues, including the matter of payment of fees, would be taken into account in the context of consideration being given to extending permanent recognition to the school.

It should be noted that capitation funding has increased significantly in recent years from €57 per primary pupil in 1997 to €134 in 2005 and to €286 per pupil at second level.