Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if secondary schools can compel Muslim girl students to remove their hijab before entering the premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39806/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.

Individual school authorities are responsible for the drawing up of a school policy in relation to the wearing of school uniforms.

My Department recommends that the formulation of such a school policy should allow for prior consultation with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate and enable any concerns to be raised and considered. Decisions regarding school uniforms are, however, a matter for each individual school.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to improve the situation at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin where students have not been able to choose an appropriately balanced arrangement of second level subjects. [39839/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Subject choices are a matter for the individual schools depending on resources available. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on the Department's approved syllabuses, and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable.

The Department of Education and Skills does not have the authority to dictate to schools regarding what subjects are offered. Schools are generally privately managed institutions which, although largely funded by the State, are relatively autonomous. Any issue with the subject choice being offered would have to be addressed to the principal of the school in question, and/or the Board of Management.