John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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252. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school places there are available in the Dublin 24 area at both primary and post-primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49091/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold the specific information to which he refers.

More detailed information relating to enrolment levels in all primary and post schools nationwide is available on the Department's website at the following link:

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In relation to school admissions, parents can choose which school to apply to and where the schoolhas places available, the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary. 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. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. The Deputy will note however that the selection process procedures and enrolment policy are the responsibility of the individual school authorities.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, which was signed by the President on the 18^thJuly 2018, is an important piece of legislation which will introduce a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools in this country and a fair and balanced school admission process for all pupils.

The Deputy will be aware that a new post-primary school for the Firhouse, Dublin 24 area opened in interim accommodation in September 2018. I can confirm that the school opened with an enrolment of 43 pupils.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's capital investment programme provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for existing schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified.