Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the difficulty experienced by pupils of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 in obtaining places in a second level Irish speaking school have been resolved; if her Department has been able to assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13931/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Three all-Irish schools currently serve the needs of Dublin City and North City area at post primary level i.e. Scoil Chaitríona, Baile Átha Cliath 9, Coláiste Mhuire, Baile Átha Cliath 7 and Gaelcolaiste Reachrann, Baile Átha Cliath 13.

These three schools between them have spare capacity in the region of 100+ places and in that context I am satisfied that there is adequate all-Irish provision in the area.

The post primary school to which the deputy refers accepted over 63% of all 6th class students from the primary school to which the deputy refers into first year in the academic year 2006/07. The post primary school in question has not sought additional accommodation from School Planning and Building Unit at the Department.

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. 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. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student.

Otherwise, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. However, enrolments are a matter for individual Boards of Management.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when school placement for September 2007 will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13934/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. 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. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student.

Otherwise, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child.

I can confirm to the Deputy that an application for the recognition of a new parish primary school for the Celbridge area to commence operation next September has been submitted to the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC). The NSAC report has been received in the Department and I expect to announce my decision in relation to successful applications in mid-April.