TD urges abolition of voluntary school contributions amid funding gap

TD Eoin Kenny has called on the government to end voluntary contributions to schools, arguing that state funding must be increased to cover rising costs.

The Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) estimates a funding gap of about €130 million between state grants and the actual cost of running primary schools from 2018 to 2025, with school operating costs rising 30% while voluntary contributions increased only 1.6%.

Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton disclosed that parents contributed more than €116 million in voluntary payments over five years, including €24.1 million in the 2024/25 school year. The figures were provided to Kenny under a parliamentary question.

Verecon Consultants’ analysis of 1,521 primary schools found 71% in a capitation‑related deficit, despite local fundraising. Their research also shows school‑specific inflation since 2010 has been over 10% higher than general inflation.

Budget 2027 allocated an additional €17 million to capitation grants, but Kenny says this is insufficient. He urged the department to ensure contributions remain truly voluntary and that no pupil be disadvantaged for not paying.

Minister Naughton responded that voluntary contributions are permissible only if clearly presented as optional and that schools must avoid any perception of compulsion.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Antoni Shkraba / Pexels.