Written answers

Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Department of Education and Skills

School Enrolments

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions that have been made to cater for the 29 children on waiting lists to attend a school (details supplied) in County Meath; the options available to the parents of these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20532/14]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or 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. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.

I have published a draft General Scheme for an Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, 2013 as well as Draft Regulations on Content of Policy and Draft Regulations on Admission Process for discussion ahead of enacting legislation. These are available on the Department's website. The Government recently gave approval for drafting the Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2014.

I have stated that 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 framework also proposes a mechanism for ensuring that every child receives a school place. The Child and Family Agency, is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. They can be contacted at 01 6352854 or by E-mail at info@tusla.ie.

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