Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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134. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on schools charging a compulsory fee for students to participate in transition year (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7903/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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A key requirement for all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme, is that the school does not operate a charge, in whatever form, that is in effect a mandatory fee and that is contrary to the principle of not charging fees which distinguishes schools in the Free Education Scheme from those recognised post-primary schools that have elected to charge fees.

Certain charges may, however, be legitimately requested from pupils such as:

- Payment for school books or photocopied material provided by the school where the charge is reasonable and simply reflects the true costs concerned;

- Charges for meals and refreshments provided pupils are not required to purchase same and can bring their own refreshments to school (e.g. lunchbox); or - Services and activities provided by the school in excess of that included in the general school programme, provided the pupil can elect to avail of such services (e.g. supervised after-school study, school tours, or visits to theatres or sporting events).

While the above is not exhaustive, the key requirement is that a school does not operate a charge, in whatever form, that is in effect a mandatory fee. Voluntary contributions may be sought from parents, provided it is made clear to parents that there is no compulsion to pay and that a child's place in the school or continued enrolment is not dependant on a willingness to make a contribution.