Some primary schools across Cork are avoiding asking parents for the annual voluntary contribution this year.
Instead, the National Principals' Forum is calling on the government to increase a capitation grant to cover the cost of utility bills in schools.
It comes as energy prices reach record highs and school principals are worried that schools will be unable to afford basic utilities this winter.
Since the Capitation grant was reduced in 2010, many schools have been forced to turn to the Department of Education for emergency funding.
Speaking to RedFM News, Principal of Scoil Bhríde in Midleton, Seamus O'Connor, said some schools even depend on fundraisers to pay for light and heat:
"I think a lot of schools are trying to stay away from that this particular year, you'd have your extracurricular fees in relation to swimming and school tours and stuff. The vast, vast majority of schools are not looking towards that to help but I do know that many schools have to do fundraising throughout the year in relation to paying for their light and heat over the last number of years. I think even trying to fundraise from parents of this coming winter, we still won't meet the shortfall that will be in relation to the cost of lighting and heating."
