Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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629. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will act with the utmost urgency to ensure that a young person (details supplied) can return to secondary school education at the earliest possible convenience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12581/23]

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.

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. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

Where the reason for refusal to enrol a child is due to the school being oversubscribed, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a student, except in circumstances where an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has been allowed and the appeals committee directs that the school admit the child concerned.

Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. My Department has been in contact with the Education Welfare Service section of Tusla Education Support Services and has been informed that the Education Welfare Officer is providing guidance and support to the family of this pupil.