McLaughlin Questions Free Education
Issued : Tuesday 10 April, 2007
Siobhan Mc Laughlin, Labour Candidate for the North East has said parents are being increasingly being asked for contritutions towards the upkeep and maintainence of schoold running costs. I know myself as mother of an eleven year old that I make annual contributions.
A survey carried out by the Irish National Teachers Organisation, show that parents are being forced to pay up to one third of the running costs of primary schools and is a stark indication of the extent to which the whole principle of free education has been undermined for so-called voluntary contributions.
As the three major teachers unions met this weekend the Labour Party Candidate calls on the Minister of Education to address the issues being continnously raised by union members and parents.
Funding problems for schools have mounted as costs for basic utilities and services such as heating, lighting, cleaning and general upkeep have gone through the roof, while the government has failed to increase the capitation grant to a realistic level. Siobhan says many shools in the Donegal North East constitucy are struggling to meet costs.
Against this background schools have been left with little alternative, but to turn to parents for so-called 'voluntary' contributions. Dependence on contributions - that are often more compulsory that voluntary - runs the risk of deepening social divisions and educational disadvantage. Parents on higher incomes may well be able to afford the contributions, while those in socially disadvantaged communities may not.
Siobhan Mc Laughlin calls on the Minister to have the current capitation grant doubled to allow schools to meet current running costs. This would be the most effective way to ensure that all schools have the facilities they require so all Donegal children get the education they deserve. Parents should be freed from the financial and moral pressure to make voluntary contributions
