Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if there is a policy within vocational educational committee schools whereby pupils will not be admitted to second level where they were previously at second level in England without the production of a report from the previous school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21707/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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There is no sector-wide policy such as that referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand that the particular school in question has, as part of it's admissions policy, a requirement that reports from the applicants previous school be supplied. If there is a difficulty with meeting this requirement then the parents should discuss this with the Principal of the school. The selection and enrolment of pupils in second-level schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.

Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision in the relevant Vocational Educational Committee and/or to the Secretary General of my Department. The National Educational Welfare Board is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The parents of the children referred to by the Deputy have already been in contact with the Educational Welfare Officer for the area and he has indicated to my Department that he will continue to assist the family in every possible way.