1187. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has undertaken an assessment of the financial impact of voluntary school contributions on low-income families; and if she will provide details of any such assessment. [60850/26]

The manner in which voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for individual school management. However, schools are required to ensure that voluntary contributions are not presented in a way that could lead parents or pupils to believe that they are compulsory. Where a school seeks a voluntary contribution, it must be made expressly clear that there is no obligation to pay and that any contribution is made entirely at the discretion of parents.

The Department's position is that voluntary contributions must remain voluntary in nature and that no pupil should be disadvantaged, either directly or indirectly, where a parent chooses not to make such a contribution.

Additionally, Section 64 of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 prohibits the charging of admission or enrolment fees for admission to, or continued enrolment in, a recognised school.

The Department has not carried out an assessment referred to by the Deputy. The Department is aware that costs and funding can pose a problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.

The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management.