Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the definition of catchment area for primary education schools; if this definition has a basis in law in view of the fact that schools use catchment areas as a prerequisite for enrolment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39555/11]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the legal definition of catchment area for secondary education schools; if this definition has a basis in law in view of the fact that schools use catchment areas as a prerequisite for enrolment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39556/11]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the definition of a feeder school; if this definition has a basis in law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39557/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 to 119, inclusive, together.

While there is no basis in law, catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960's and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes the country was divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was and continues to be that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.

Enrolment in individual post-primary 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 earlier this year, I 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.

I wish to make clear that the paper was not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. The purpose of the paper was to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies and practices.

I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by 28 of October last and my officials are now co-ordination the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.