Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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477. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reduce the burden placed on parents through voluntary contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52135/21]

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. Section 64 of the Education (Admissions to schools) Act 2018, which was commenced in 2018 explicitly prohibits the charging of admission and enrolment fees for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school, with some exceptions such as boarding or fee charging schools.

The 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 students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities.

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

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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478. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) can charge mandatory fees for music lessons during school hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52136/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to your query regarding fees for music lessons during school hours, it is important to note that no mandatory charge or fee may be levied on parents or pupils 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. However a school may only seek payments in respect of extra-curricular activities provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate.