Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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863. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when her Department expects to review the new pilot online school admissions system; if this system can be expanded nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59767/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The rollout of Apply to School marks a significant step towards improving the school admission system and fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system.

As the Deputy will be aware, the pilot involves five towns: Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore. Other areas will be taken into consideration for future iterations of the pilot.

The pilot provides a single online application form for parents or guardians who want to apply for a first-year place for their child in participating schools, including for special classes. Parents will be able to apply to any or all schools within their pilot area on one online application.

In recent years, demographic shifts and increasing demand for special class provision for students with special educational needs have placed growing pressure on school admissions across the country. Duplicate applications, families choosing specific schools, and students applying from outside the local area can make it seem like schools are more full than they are. These factors can give an incomplete picture of how many places are available in schools.

In response to these challenges and a commitment in the Programme for Government to reforming the admissions process, my department is working towards a nationwide common application system. As a first step, the Apply to School pilot launched in October 2025 for the 2026/27 admissions cycle. Applications opened on 01st October 2025 and closed on 22nd October 2025 inclusive. This initiative aims to streamline the application process, improve transparency, and support more effective planning and equitable access to school places. Importantly, it also aims to lay the groundwork for a robust, nationwide system.

Furthermore, my department is in on going engagement with the participating schools to gather feedback. I can assure the Deputy that any lessons learned will be integrated into future iterations and department officials will continue to support the relevant stakeholders involved.