Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 864: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will review primary circular 32/03 to amend the PC 32/03 to allow primary school pupils to repeat sixth class in their primary school or an alternative school if they are younger than 12 years old on entering post-primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10256/05]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 919: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for introducing primary circular 32/03; the consultation which took place with parents prior to its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10635/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 864 and 919 together.

My Department's policy on the retention of pupils in primary schools is set out in primary circular 32/03 which issued to all primary schools in December 2003. Under my Department's policy, pupils should only repeat a year for educational reasons and under no circumstances should an additional grade level — middle infants or repeat sixth class — operate through the retention of all or a substantial number of pupils for a second year at a grade level. The level of provision now available should enable pupils to make progress in keeping with their needs and abilities and to move consecutively through the different class levels in the school in keeping with their peers.

In addition, pupils who have completed sixth class must not transfer to another primary school to repeat sixth class. In the event that a school were to enrol pupils from another school to repeat sixth class, the pupils shall not be included as eligible pupils for staffing and other purposes. Capitation and other grants in respect of such pupils shall not be paid.

The primary school curriculum is designed as an eight-year course, including a two-year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year. I am aware that there may be individual cases where a principal teacher, following consultation with the learning support teacher-resource teacher, class teacher and parent or parents of the pupil may conclude that a pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a grade level. In such cases, as outlined in circular 32/03, my Department would allow the retention provided there is an educational basis for it and there is a clear programme for the pupil to follow.

The compulsory school starting age in a national school is six years of age and rule 64 (1) of the rules for national schools provides that a child must be at least four years of age before she or he may be enrolled in a national school. In accordance with the rules and programme for secondary schools, a child may be enrolled as a recognised pupil in a post-primary school provided that he or she is not less than 12 years of age on 1 January of the school year and who has, as a rule, completed a full course of primary education.

Primary circulars are reviewed regularly by the officials in the primary branch of my Department in consultation with the inspectorate to ensure that there is clarity for schools in the operation of various schemes. Circular 32/03 was issued following such a process. My officials are in regular contact with the education partners, including parents, about the provision of education services in the primary school system. There are no plans at present to review circular 32/03.