Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of appeals under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 made during each of the past three years in relation to admissions in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the number that were successful for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25444/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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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 Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department. In the case of the latter, only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil. The procedures provide for three stages to processing appeals, local resolution, facilitation, and finally, if the matter has not been resolved, a hearing. In respect of the school concerned, six appeals against a refusal to enrol a child have been lodged to date in 2009, of which 4 went to full hearing. None of the appeals were upheld at hearing. In 2008, three appeals were lodged against refusal to enrol. Two were resolved without the need for a hearing. One appeal went to hearing, but was not upheld. In 2007, 7 appeals against refused enrolment were lodged, six were resolved prior to hearing. One appeal proceeded to hearing and was upheld.