Schools should not depend on cake sales to keep the lights on, Brabazon says

Fianna Fáil TD Tom Brabazon has said that an increase in capitation funding for schools is needed in this year’s Budget.

The Dublin Bay North TD warned that schools are increasingly being forced to rely on voluntary contributions and fundraising to cover basic day-to-day costs.

Brabazon says he has been contacted by parents who are concerned about the financial pressures facing schools and the knock-on impact this is having on families already struggling with the cost of living.

“Despite the best efforts of principals and boards of management, many schools are struggling to cover essential running costs such as electricity, heating, and insurance. As a result, schools are often left with little choice but to seek voluntary contributions from parents and organise fundraisers just to balance their books,” he said.

“Our schools should not have to depend on appeals to parents or cake sales in order to keep the lights on. This is placing additional burdens on families at a time when many are already feeling stretched,” he said. 

Brabazon said an increase in capitation funding would help schools meet rising operational costs and reduce their dependence on voluntary contributions and fundraising. 

“As we prepare for Budget 2027, there is a clear opportunity to provide meaningful support to schools by increasing capitation funding. I will be raising this issue with the Minister for Education and advocating for this increased funding as part of this year’s budget package,” he said.

Brabazon said, “every child deserves access to a well-resourced school regardless of where they live or the financial circumstances of their family, and schools should be properly funded to provide that education without having to continually turn to parents to bridge the gap.”