Vol. 433 No. 5
148 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education her views on the fact that equality of access to second level education is not available to children (details supplied) in the Cabra area of Dublin 7; and if her Department will assist in obtaining places in the local girls' second level school for the four children referred to.
I am aware that difficulties have arisen for a number of pupils in the Cabra area of Dublin 7 in gaining admission to the second-level school of their choice.
A primary responsibility of my Department is to ensure that, overall, sufficient places exist at second-level to cater for demand in a given area. Intake policy is essentially a matter for each second-level school management subject to the application of acceptable criteria.
However, the Deputy may be assured that it is a matter of great concern to me and my Department that second-level schools in any given locality should fulfil their responsibilities in the delivery of education for all students regardless of their socio-economic or intellectual ability. My Department is in discussions with post-primary managerial authorities with a view to ensuring that all schools adopt this approach in their enrolment of pupils.
