Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the changes to be made to the current school enrolment policy that will deal with the discriminatory practices which have allowed elite schools to flout the equality legislation by actively discouraging the intake of pupils with special educational needs and behavioural difficulties. [19145/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that I have recently launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent and I am inviting education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28th of October.

The paper is not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. It is meant to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies. However, central to this debate on enrolment is the need to ensure a fair and transparent system at all of our schools, which does not discriminate unfairly against students, including pupils with special educational needs, or their parents. The discussion paper and details of how interested parties can make a submission to my Department can be found on my department's website. I look forward to receiving the opinions of our education partners and others on this important topic.