Secondary schools are apparently completely reliant on parental contributions to stop going into deficit. The average cost of the ‘voluntary’ contributions are around €101 per year at primary level, and €140 at secondary level. 

Nationally, the Department of Education estimates that these contributions are worth about €30 million a year. 

So, should they be needed at all? 

Andrea is joined by INTO General Secretary John Boyle, Simon Lewis, principal and host of the ‘If I was Minister for Education’ podcast as well as listeners to hear their opinions.