Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to fact that applicants for secondary school places are usually required to accompany their application with a non-refundable fee; her views on whether unsuccessful applicants should have this fee refunded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27053/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is a fundamental principle of the Free Second Level Education Scheme that no charge be made in respect of:—

(a)instruction in any subject of my Department's Programme for Secondary Schools;

(b)recreation or study facilities where all pupils are expected to avail themselves of them as part of the school programme.

(c)any other activity in which all pupils are required to take part.

Accordingly, it would be a breach of my Department's policy for post-primary schools involved in the Free Second Level Education Scheme to demand or levy a fee. However, voluntary contributions by parents, or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme, are permissible provided that it is made absolutely 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.

Schools are allowed to charge a booking fee when considering applicants for enrolment, provided this is refundable following a decision on enrolment. Booking fees are sometimes required by schools in order to avoid "double booking" of pupils in schools that could result in the loss of teachers.