Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cabra (Dublin) School.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

298 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she has taken to ensure that pupils of Christ the King Girls N.S., Cabra, Dublin 7, will have places in St. Dominic's College, Cabra, Dublin 7, from September 1995; if places in St. Dominic's College, Cabra, Dublin 7, will be given to pupils (details supplied) from national schools in the Cabra area in advance of any offers to children from schools further afield, namely Castleknock and Laurel Lodge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2008/94]

Tony Gregory

Question:

301 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education, arising from her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 24 February 1994, her response to the matters raised at the meeting between representatives of her Department and of Christ the King girls' national school, Dublin 7, and to letters dated 18 September 1994, and 14 October 1994, from the school authorities to her Department. [2106/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 301 together.

My Department's primary objective in any area is to ensure that there are sufficient pupil places available overall to meet the demand. There are sufficient pupil places available in schools in the general area for all Cabra pupils seeking entry to postprimary education in September 1995.

It is not possible for my Department to ensure that pupils will be enrolled in a particular school of their choice. Enrolment policy is essentially a matter for the managerial authorities of each post-primary school subject to the application of certain criteria. I am particularly concerned to ensure that academic ability should not be used as a determining factor for entry to schools and that schools disclose their enrolment policy and the criteria used in selecting pupils for entry.

It has been established from the authorities of St. Dominic's College that the school is currently finalising enrolment for September 1995 and would hope to offer some places to pupils from Christ the King girls' national school.

It is understood also that an application form issued last May to one of the pupils referred to in the details supplied by Deputy Mitchell and that the form has not been returned. Another pupil's application was received after the closing date and, therefore, was not considered. A further pupil was refused entry on the basis that her home address was outside the area catered for by the school. No decision has been taken regarding the remaining applicant.

The planning section of my Department has held meetings with the managerial authorities of Christ the King national school and the post-primary school in question. My Department will be in contact with both managements shortly in the matter.