Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) is reducing its class numbers for junior infants for 2023, causing many families to miss out on spaces for their child; if she will engage with the school on its application for temporary accommodation which would allow for a third junior infants class and would accommodate parents currently going without a school place for the upcoming academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57193/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question. My officials are considering the long term needs of the school, including possible interim accommodation and will revert to the school authorities directly in this regard as soon as possible.

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. 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.

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 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.