Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1992

Vol. 420 No. 6

Written Answers. - Secondary School Entry.

Michael Noonan

Question:

98 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the extreme difficulty being experienced by children in Limerick city in gaining entry to an appropriate secondary school; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many parents are refusing to send their children to a school run by the vocational education committee in the city; if he will investigate the situation; and if he will make a clear policy statement on this matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I have not been made aware, nor has my Department, of difficulties being experienced by children in Limerick city in gaining entry to an appropriate secondary school or of parents refusing to send their children to a school managed by the City of Limerick vocational education committee.

I am aware that a centralised scheme for admission to postprimary schools in September 1992 is being operated by the school authorities in Limerick city. While I understand that maintenance of the principle of parental choice is a prime object of the centralised scheme, it must be accepted that, in a catchment area such as Limerick city, where there are a number of postprimary schools, not every pupil will obtain a place in his/her first choice school. My Department's overall responsibility is to ensure that all the schools have, between them, adequate provision to meet demand and I am satisfied that this applies in Limerick city.