Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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255. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding national schools where parents are informed that payments are compulsory, that is, a €40 compulsory payment for arts and crafts, insurance and licence for reading books on computers; if payments can be compulsory or are they voluntary for parents of children attending national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39663/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The charging of fees by a school is permissible only in the case of recognised fee-charging second level schools.

All other recognised schools are precluded from charging school fees. Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in such recognised 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 payments sought for materials provided by the school, a school may seek payment to cover the cost of such learning materials where the amount sought by the school is consistent with the costs involved and the level of materials provided. It is also permissible for a school to seek payments in respect of extra-curricular activities provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate. No charge may be made, however, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part.