If education is to be truly free, we have to ringfence investment in it

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, has indicated she would phase out so-called school ‘voluntary’ contributions if re-elected into Government.

Barnardos would welcome such a measure — and urge even stronger action.

Ending school ‘voluntary’ contributions is not just the right thing to do for children and their parents; it would demonstrate courageous political leadership which understands the long-term benefits.