Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 678: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if secondary schools have an obligation to allow all students, including special needs students, to do transition year or if they can refuse permission for such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5075/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Every year my Department invites all second level schools to participate in the Transition Year Programme.

The management authority of each school carries responsibility for making decisions regarding the Transition Year Programme in that school. Guidelines have been issued by my Department to support schools in this process. In some schools, the programme is compulsory for all students. In those that offer it as an option, circumstances may arise where it is necessary to limit the number of students who can avail of it.

It is the board of management of each individual school that decides the number of places available to students on programmes such as Transition Year. In cases where restrictions apply, schools should have clear procedures regarding how places are allocated to students.