€17 million school grant rise criticised as insufficient by TD

Parents in Ireland have contributed over €116 million in voluntary payments to “free schools” over the past five years, according to figures discussed on The Claire Byrne Show.

Labour education spokesperson TD Eoghan Kenny said the €17 million increase in capitation grants announced in the budget “doesn’t scratch the surface” of what schools need, noting that schools have been requesting higher funding for a decade.

Kenny highlighted that many schools are operating at a deficit and some have had to seek assistance from the Department of Education’s Financial Support Services unit, even within his own constituency.

Department data show voluntary contributions of €22.8 million in 2020‑2021 and €22.7 million in 2023‑2024, raising concerns that children whose parents cannot pay face stigma and reduced access to school resources.

One Family CEO Karen Kiernan echoed the stigma issue, saying some schools still link voluntary contributions to access to diaries, lockers or trips, despite the Department of Education’s guidance against such practices.

Kiernan described the grant increase as “very welcome” but said families will be watching to see whether it eases the financial pressure on parents.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels.