Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1052: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 which obtained temporary recognition from her Department in September 1999, under the strict condition that the school authorities concerned agreed to discontinue the private fee structure that was in place up to that point, now charges annual or voluntary contributions in excess of €3,000 per annum; if she will confirm that this is the situation, and that such annual or voluntary contributions have been in place since 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2441/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided 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. 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 currently 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.