For many years, parents have been asked to pay voluntary contributions to their children’s schools. Although described as “voluntary”, many parents feel under pressure to pay these contributions each year.

In many cases, parents have made these payments without being fully aware of how the money is used.

Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton is now set to bring forward plans for a new statutory charter aimed at strengthening accountability in schools. Under the proposed rules, schools will be required to inform parents of the total amount raised through voluntary financial contributions and to clearly outline how this money is spent.  

Andrea was joined by Wen Loughman Freelance writer, Noel Loftus  Principal of St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and Jen Hogan Irish Times Journalist and host of the Conversations with Parents Podcast, to discuss this move and whether parents are contributing too much.