School Costs

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Ceisteanna (165)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

165. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to instances of the practice of schools requiring a non-refundable payment to accompany completed letters of acceptance to secondary schools; if the description of these payments as an ‘administration fee’ or ‘processing fee’ is in keeping with section 64 of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018; and the action she will take to end this practice. [8627/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, is an important piece of legislation which has introduced a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools. The legislation is part of a suite of measures taken to take greater account of the needs of parents and students in the school system.

Section 64 of the act prohibits the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions for an application for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school. Exceptions are included in relation to fee charging post-primary schools, the boarding element in boarding schools and admission to post leaving cert or further education courses run by post-primary schools.

If the Deputy is aware of a school(s) charging fees, that are prohibited by section 64, they can inform my Department, who will follow up with the school(s) concerned.