Sir, – The Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan has indicated she would phase out so-called school “voluntary’” contributions if re-elected into government. Barnardos would welcome such a measure – and urge even stronger action.
Ending school “voluntary” contributions is not just the right thing to do for children and their parents; it would demonstrate courageous political leadership that understands the long-term benefits. It would ensure a genuine level playing field for all children – eliminating the barriers to participating fully in education facing too many children as their life-chances are often decided by parental income and circumstances of their birth. Yet just €89 million (around €95 per child in primary or secondary school) would remove the burden of such costs from parents and challenge this status quo.
One of the greatest myths perpetuated by the Government is that Ireland provides free education for all children. Barnardos’ annual school costs survey shows this is very clearly not the case. Every year we hear from parents forced to make impossible choices in order to fund their child’s education. Inevitably low-income families face the greatest challenge footing the bill, putting already disadvantaged children at even greater risk of failing to fulfil their potential. This is grossly unfair and something as a nation we should be ashamed of.
It’s not just the “voluntary” contributions that need to be phased out. In the scheme of budget surpluses, a relatively modest investment would guarantee comprehensive free primary and secondary education for all children. Just €103.2 million extra per year would cover school book costs, transport, restore capitation fees and remove the need for voluntary contributions, thus ensuring truly free primary education. A further €126.9 million per year would deliver free secondary education. We would urge all government parties to ring-fence this investment. Not only can we afford to do this; we cannot afford not to do it. – Yours, etc,
FERGUS FINLAY,
Chief Executive,
Barnardos,
Christchurch Square,
Dublin 8.