Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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410. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school place can be facilitated for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13752/24]

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 admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. Under the provisions of the Act, school admission policies are approved by the Patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the school’s website. The 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 Department is aware that there has been enrolment pressures at primary level in Kilcock and in response to that, Scoil Choca Naofa has agreed to expand by an additional eight classrooms. The delivery of a first phase of additional accommodation is complete, and a second phase of modular accommodation is also in train.

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.

Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal where a board of management, or a person acting on behalf of the board of management (normally the school principal) refuses to admit a student to a school. Where the decision to refuse admission is due to the school being oversubscribed, a review of the decision by the board of management must be sought in the first instance. Following a review it is open to the parent to appeal to the independent appeals committee.

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 (tessinfo@tusla.ie) for assistance. More information is available on their website on the following link: www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/.