Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

406. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 22 October 2024, the options now available to persons (details supplied) who have still been unable to secure a local school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44419/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

This family has been in contact with Tusla Education Support Services. Assistance and advice has been given in relation to school applications, appeals process and details of grant available to assist with travel costs. Where a school has no places available the Educational Welfare Service cannot compel a school to enrol a child. There are significant shortages of school places in this area currently, TESS are working closely with the Department on this issue.