Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - VEC Funding.

Michael Bell

Question:

296 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education the estimated amount of money raised by vocational education committee schools and colleges and community schools and colleges by means of voluntary contributions, course fees, especially for PLC courses, and any other means of direct contributions by parents or students; the accounting procedures that are in place in relation to such moneys; whether her Department or the Local Government Auditor has any role in such accounting procedures; whether she intends to introduce such procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1994/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

All receipts by a Vocational Education Committee from whatever source are credited to the vocational education fund which each committee is required to establish and maintain in the hands of its treasurer. The accounting procedures of vocational education committees are governed by the Vocational Education (Accounts, Audits and Procedures) Regulations 1931 made under the Vocational Education Act, 1930. The auditing of the accounts of the Vocational Education Committees has been a function of the Local Government Auditor but the accounts for 1994 and subsequent years will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993.

In accordance with the management arrangements provided for in the deeds and indentures of community and comprehensive schools, all receipts related to the general government and direction of the school are lodged to the school fund. The books and accounts of the schools must be made available for inspection by officers of the Department and of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and audits of such schools are carried out on a regular basis by officers of my Department.

Voluntary contributions by parents or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. There is no charge for tuition in the case of PLC courses though many schools make a charge towards other costs. Such charges and voluntary contributions are not separately identified in the accounts of vocational education committees and community and comprehensive schools and no estimate of the total amount involved is readily available.