Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a copy of the admissions policy for a primary school (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [18121/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard a board of management may deem it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular age group or to children living in a particular area or on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an enrolment policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful and applied fairly to all applicants. Section 15 2(d) of the 1998 Education Act requires a Board of Management to publish, in such manner as the Board with the agreement of the Patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school. The Deputy will be aware that last June, 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 have made it 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 the 28th of October last and my officials are now co-ordinating the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.