Vol. 523 No. 1
1046 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will find an appropriate place in a secondary school in Limerick city for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20069/00]
My Department is not aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.
Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of individual schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places in an area. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The National Educational Psychological Service – NEPS – is available to all post primary schools recognised by my Department. NEPS can advise on the management of any difficulties which pupils might experience and which may present problems in a school setting. Where appropriate it can also advise on any educational supports which might be required to ensure that a pupil's time in school is as productive and positive as possible.
In order to progress this case my Department has issued a questionnaire to the child's mother which will help identify her educational needs and provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and the National Educational Psychological Service on behalf of her child.
