Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 strives to create a new 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.

All schools have drafted admissions policies, which have been approved by the Patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. These policies are effective for admission to school in September 2021 onwards.

There is a statutory requirement to review section 11 of the act, 5 years after the section came into operation. This will be undertaken in 2023.