Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, which was outlined in our programme for Government as a matter we would move forward. I welcome the Bill's passage to Second Stage and the Minister's presence in introducing it. As he is aware, the pressure on school places, particularly at secondary level, in south Kildare is a very topical issue and one that is leading to much concern and angst among parents. We have had a number of meetings about it. Some of the issues that arise from the pressure on capacity are addressed in the Bill, which is very important. It focuses on those schools that may not be at full capacity in many cases in respect of section 29 of the Education Act and other elements. However, in the Newbridge area, for example, we have schools that are turning many pupils away. Demand far exceeds supply in these schools.

This Bill really comes into its own in the case of people, such as those I meet in south Kildare, who moved to the area for work reasons or might not be from the area, which can happen. In Kildare, in particular, it happens sometimes. The measure to which I refer is a very important one to which we can point in saying that children should not be discriminated against. The use of waiting lists in the past has been a barrier. If somebody must move to a different area, their children should not be disadvantaged.

Similarly, families of lower socioeconomic background tend to leave enrolment of their children to the last minute and maybe do not plan to the same extent as other families who have a very keen focus on the education of their children.

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