Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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955. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (details supplied)) regarding water charges at schools. [42199/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, schools are required to pay for a range of utilities such as electricity, gas etc. and water is but one of these. In relation to water, the Deputy may also be aware that schools have been subject to metered water charges imposed by Local Authorities since 1 January 2010.

The capitation grant is the main funding mechanism for schools to enable them meet their day to day running costs including the costs of utilities.

In relation to the charging of fees, the position is that apart from those recognised fee-charging second level schools, recognised primary and post primary schools are precluded from charging school fees. Voluntary contributions by parents 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 contributions are sought and collected is a matter for each 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.