Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify specifically if he is empowered to order primary schools to review their catchment areas and policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9676/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard, a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. The Deputy will be aware that last June, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment, contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent. I have made it clear that the paper was not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. The purpose of the paper was to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies and practices. I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by 28 October last. My officials are now co-ordinating the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.