Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue concerning education. A Programme for a Partnership Government states: "Education is the key to giving every child an equal chance in life". Unfortunately that is not being acted upon in Ennis, where next September there will be insufficient places in secondary schools to accommodate those leaving primary schools. It is anticipated that this will be the case for years to come. Twelve primary school principals have written to the Minister outlining their concerns in this regard. It particularly affects those from the Traveller community, those from disadvantaged areas and those with special educational needs. The issue is compounded by the fact that there is no centralised application system. Some pupils are allocated several places in schools and others are left without a place until the school year starts. The Taoiseach recently officially opened a school in Ennis, Scoil Chríost Rí. He has also acknowledged that there is a shortage of secondary school places. What immediate action will he take to address this issue?

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