Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in the Dublin 15 and Dublin 7 areas.

As part of planning for September 2024, post-primary schools in the Dublin 15 School Planning Areas of Castleknock and Carpenterstown were contacted by the Department, and data on applications for admission has been received by the Department across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been of assistance in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. However, there is an identified requirement for additional first year places in Dublin 15 School Planning Areas of Castleknock and Carpenterstown and the Department have been liaising with schools and patrons in this respect, with a view to advancing a solution as soon as possible.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

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.

I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Dublin 15 and 7 areas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.