Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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276. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a lengthy waiting list for secondary school places in a school (details supplied); his plans to make additional places available for the 2020-21 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45405/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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In relation to school admissions, parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has 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.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application, for additional accommodation, from the school in question. I wish to advise that additional information has been sough from the patron of the school. As soon as this information is received the assessment process will be progressed.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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277. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures available to parents to have their child enrolled in secondary school for the academic year commencing September 2020, and in which it has been indicated that the child has been placed on a waiting list, which indicates he or she may never be admitted in view of being significantly down the waiting list; the remedies or solutions available to such parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45416/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils' not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, 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.

Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act, 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that, as regards that policy, principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents' choice are respected.

Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department where a Board of Management of a school, refuses to enrol a student in a school. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld. Further information on the Section 29 appeals process is available on my Departments website at:.

The Educational Welfare Service (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory body which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child. The EWS can be contacted at 01-7718815 or 01-7718500.