David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 941: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on schools requesting voluntary contributions from parents in order to fund day to day expenses in the running costs of schools; the amount collected each year, nationally, by way of voluntary contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41653/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

In relation to day to day funding for schools I prioritised funding for primary schools in the recent budget. While I appreciate that the abolition of a range of grants will make it a challenging year ahead most of the available funding was used to increase the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level to €200 per pupil. The increases in the enhanced rates for special needs pupils in special classes and special schools brings the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil. While I clearly will want to improve funding as soon as circumstances permit, I am anxious to make the capitation grant mechanism the single funding channel for schools, thereby giving schools more flexibility and discretion on how to target funding to the school's own priorities based on its knowledge and understanding of the needs of the students it serves. There is the added advantage that administration and accounting can be reduced for schools and my Department.