Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to regulate the admission of children to primary and post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42255/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My aim in bringing forward legislative proposals in relation to school admission is to improve the admissions process and to ensure that the way schools decide on applications is structured, fair and transparent.

The proposed new regulatory framework is aimed at substantially improving the experience between the public and schools on student admission.

I have published a draft General Scheme for an Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, 2013 as well as draft regulations for discussion ahead of enacting legislation. I have referred these draft proposals to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, to allow a full public discussion of the proposed legislative framework, including inputs from parents, education partners and other stakeholders.

I will be reflecting carefully on the views expressed in the consultation process to ensure they strike the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.