Many parents are facing "enormous pressure" to pay voluntary contributions, according to a recent survey.
Saint Vincent de Paul compiled research amongst approximately 1000 parents on voluntary contribution fees. These charges usually apply to non fee paying schools and typically go towards insurance and equipment costs.
School principals have acknowledged that voluntary charges have taken on a new format in recent years and often come into effect as mandatory fees on student booklists. SVP's research and policy manager Niamh Dalziel confirmed that some parents surveyed were forgoing other bills and necessities in order to pay the charges.
