Written answers

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Department of Education and Science

School Enrolments

8:00 am

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 459: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the Limerick post-primary enrolment policy in view of the fact that it is in place for more than ten years and is different from the policy in the rest of the country; if she will address the problem for children whose first choice school is over-subscribed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26307/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My 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.

The Deputy will be aware that a Common Application System (CAS) was agreed between the principals of the post-primary schools in Limerick City. This system has been facilitated through the Limerick Education Centre (LEC) with support from my Department. Whilst this administrative system ensures that a co-ordinated approach can be taken to enrolments in the area, each school authority, in accordance with the Education Act, 1998, retains autonomy in relation to its own enrolment policy.

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. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Any review of the CAS would require consultation with the relevant stakeholders. My Department, at local level, maintains contact with the relevant stakeholders, including, where necessary, discussing any issues that arise in relation to its operation.

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