Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 is an important piece of legislation which has introduced a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools.

The Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Act 2022 further amended the Education Act of 1998 by providing for a shortened more streamlined section 37A process whereby the Minister can direct a school to make provision for children with special educational needs. The section 37A process is only used as a measure of last resort where additional provision is required in a specific location and efforts to secure that additional provision through engagement with schools has failed.

The new act also streamlined Section 67 which provides for a situation where a child (with special needs or otherwise) cannot find a school place and allows the National Council for Special Education or Tusla (Child and Family Agency) to designate a school place for the child.

All sections of Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 have now been commenced.