We Don’t Need No Application Fees

Press release from Cllr Lourda Scott, issued on Wednesday, November 13th 2019…

Green Party Cllr Lourda Scott has called on the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD for clarification regarding the prohibition of fees when applying to secondary schools.

Cllr Scott said, “Section 9 of the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018 explicitly prohibits the charging of fees or seeking any contribution for admission to primary or secondary school. Some exceptions are allowed, for example in the case of fee charging secondary schools or boarding schools.

“This important piece of legislation was enacted as parents were being faced with unnecessary and unfair charges of anything up to € 250 in order to apply for a place in a school. However, despite the changes to legislation I have been contacted by several parents in our area stating that an application fee is still being sought by secondary schools. There is confusion about why this is the case and whether or not non-payment of fees will affect their application process.”

Seeking clarification from the Governance Section of the Department of Education, Cllr Scott was assured that charging any fees in relation to application to non-fee-paying secondary schools is not allowed.

“It shouldn’t be up to parents to point out breaches in the system,” continues Scott. “I have written to Minister McHugh asking what measures have been put in place to ensure that charging application fees is not happening and if there is oversight on how many schools are in breach of legislation. I have also asked the Minister what action should be taken by someone who is aware of a school acting in contravention of this section.

“Parents are under enough pressure ensuring their children have a place in a school of their choice.They should be able to trust the process and not be put in the position of policing legislation.”