Vol. 493 No. 2
198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can have her transition year later in her school life in view of the fact that her parents believe the transition year will be of more benefit to her later; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15572/98]
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who is a student at the Salesian College, Celbridge, County Kildare, has been refused participation in the transition year at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15573/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
As part of the restructuring of the senior cycle the transition year option was introduced in second level schools. The transition year is a year between the end of the junior certificate programme and the beginning of the leaving certificate programme. There is no provision for a transition year at anytime beyond this in the senior cycle.
It is for the management authority of each school to decide whether to provide transition year and the number of places in its transition year. In making this choice, schools are subject to the same constraints as apply to their general curriculum choice. Schools try as far as possible to provide a range of curriculum or programme options to meet the needs of all pupils.
Where a school is unable to facilitate all pupils seeking a place on its transition year programme, it is necessary for the school to select pupils. Schools may use selection criteria including their assessment of all of their pupils' needs and suitability for the programme.
I understand that the Salesian College may have been unable to allocate a place on its transition year programme to the pupil in question. I would suggest that his parents contact the school principal to discuss the matter.
