Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Department of Education and Skills

School Admissions

Photo of Pádraig O'SullivanPádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some children with disabilities may not be able to access a place in schools due to competition from siblings of current pupils; her views on whether this is fair and equitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39845/20]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 act requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. Schools also have the discretion to apply different selection criteria for admission to a special class should they wish to do so. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.

Parents have the right to 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 will 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. Nonetheless, where a school is oversubscribed some pupils may not obtain a place in the school.

My Department has provided a FAQ document with information for schools and parents on school admission and other related matters. This document and other relevant information on school admissions is available on my Departments website at the following link: .

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