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Parents 'anger' at primary school costs
A new survey has revealed that nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of parents are asked for a voluntary contribution every year to help with the running costs of their child's primary school.
The survey, carried out by the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) and the National Parents Council (NPC), found over 40 per cent of parents contributed more than €100 per annum with most of the money being used for essential day-to-day running costs.
In 31 per cent of the cases parents' associations have to fundraise over €10,000 each year to cover the costs.
"The results of this survey clearly demonstrate the level of anger and frustration that is being experienced by parents of children in the primary education system, regarding the cost of sending their child to school," said Áine Lynch of NPC.
"The results show that while primary education is supposed to be free, parents have to contribute significant amounts to keep schools running, and parents can feel pressurised to contribute money that they cannot afford," she added.
The survey also found 90 per cent of parents say that primary schools should not pay any water charges.
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