Commitment from Minister O Sullivan on voluntary contributions in schools very welcome

Seanad Education spokesperson Senator Mary Moran has welcomed Minister Jan O'Sullivan’s commitment that she will look into the issue of not so voluntary “voluntary contributions” in primary and secondary schools.
“I raised the subject of these “not so voluntary contributions” at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection meeting today as it is an issue which I know causes much anxiety for many parents. Some schools have been known to put a lot of pressure on parents to pay this contribution, which of course is supposed to be voluntary but which is, in reality, often compulsory. Minister O'Sullivan is now fully aware of my concerns and has said she will look in to the matter.
I also took the opportunity to raise the school uniform survey that the Department of Education and Skills encouraged schools around the country to issue early this year.  I strongly support meaningful consultation with parents on issues surrounding back to school costs and asked that the Minister follow up on the survey at the earliest opportunity.  During difficult but recovering economic times, we must remain vigilant in the area of back to school costs.  I will continue to work with Minister O'Sullivan in relation to easing the burden for parents on back to schools costs. ”