Written answers

Thursday, 11 March 2021

Department of Education and Skills

School Enrolments

Photo of Duncan SmithDuncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the support available for parents who find themselves in the coming months with children who have not been accepted to any local secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13740/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to school enrolment generally, it is my Department's responsibility to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area.

It is a matter for parents to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. In schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary.

The selection process used by schools and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, it may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice.

Where a school is oversubscribed in a particular year, it is required to compile a waiting list of unsuccessful applicants for that year, and to fill any further places arising for that school year from that list.

A list of schools in each area can also be accessed on the Department’s website at the following link: .

The Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500 for assistance. More information on school attendance is available on their website on the following link: .

For ease of reference I have provided a link to the relevant phone numbers for the Education Welfare Officers assigned to various areas around the country: .

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