Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will request schools to be lenient on parents who are not in a position to make voluntary contributions due to financial difficulties they are experiencing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17621/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in 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.

My Department recognises that additional funding will be required for schools including supporting enhanced cleaning to prevent COVID-19 infections. Parents will not incur costs for these safety measures. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the requirement to provide funding to schools for this purpose.