Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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181. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the increased financial burden placed on families for back-to-school costs detailed in an annual back to school survey (details supplied) and the back to school survey by an organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45718/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department issued Circular 32/2017 which sets out principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs. These include that all elements of a school uniform should be purchasable from various stores, that wherever possible generic rather than branded items should be specified and the provision to parents of a list of all required items indicating the likely costs of these required items at best value stores.

Budget 2020 has been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019. The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration has now been achieved.

All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is the intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets. However I must be prudent in the context of ongoing budgetary pressures giving the current economic circumstances.

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.

My Department is also continuing to progress the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill has been passed by the Seanad and last July passed second stage in the Dáil. The overall aim of the Bill is to improve the level of engagement between the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from students and parents and by further developing a listening culture in schools. One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with the school community on individual school plans, policies and activities.

This approach will help ensure that the various views of staff, students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools on policies and issues including back to school costs. The Bill also provides for schools to provide financial information to students and parents, including information regarding voluntary contributions and how they are spent.