A LIMERICK parent expressed shock at having received a letter seeking contributions of upwards of €650 from a city school.
The parent contacted the Limerick Post after getting a letter suggesting a minimum contribution of €500 and alternative amounts of €600, €650 and upwards.
He described the request as “extortion”.
Other parents, he alleged, were equally angry.
In a letter received from Laurel Hill this week, it was also asked that any parent with more than one child attending should “reflect that in their contribution”.
The complainant continued: “We’re told these are voluntary contributions – they are not voluntary when it comes to worrying about your child. You’re told it will make no difference if you don’t contribute, but what if it does? Parents can’t and won’t risk it, so they pay up”.
In the letter, it was stated that the continuing recession is making the year ahead “problematic for the school in relation to finance.
“The position with regard to the lack of funding with the Department of Education remains unchanged, therefore, we cannot stress enough how vital the voluntary contribution is to our school”.
It explains that the contributions are needed to defray day-to-day running costs which are not covered by the Department, and also to help with insurance and developing extra circular activities.
Added the parent: “You have to ask what percentage of parents who pay this can actually afford it? I think a lot of parents, including ourselves, who don’t have €650 to give away, are paying because they feel they have no choice”.
The father – who has a number of children at the school – said that he is “sick of being asked to bail the government out.
“What are we paying almost half our earnings in tax for? You can’t call something a voluntary contribution when it’s couched in those terms”.
When contacted, school principal Michael Cregan, said he is available to meet with any parent who has a concern.
