Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 531: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a school place will be provided for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [3356/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware a specific function of the National Council Special Education, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placements for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and the school and is available to parents to provide support and advice. My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and I can confirm that the pupil in question is on a waiting list for the special school referred to by the Deputy. I wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of the enrolment of a pupil in a school including a special school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school and my Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment by schools. 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 to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.