John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason students attending post primary education are required to pay a school registration fee; if he will outline the rights of parents in this regard; and if assistance is available to families who simply are unable to afford this fee. [11951/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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It is a fundamental principal of the free post-primary education scheme that no charge is made in respect of instruction in any subject of my Department's programme for Secondary Schools; recreation or study facilities where all the pupils are expected to avail themselves of these as part of the school programme; any other activities in which all pupils are required to take part.

The Department recognises that registration fees are sometimes requested by schools in order to avoid "double booking" of pupils in schools. Under current arrangements, schools are allowed to request a booking fee/registration fee when considering applicants for enrolment, provided this is refundable at all times following a decision on enrolment.

Voluntary contributions by parents or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme are permissible under the scheme, 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.