Vol. 523 No. 5
301 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who was expelled from school in May 2000 and who is highly at risk; if he will take immediate steps to provide an appropriate education service for this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21722/00]
I am not aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.
Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority 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 is available to all post-primary schools recognised by my Department. NEPS can advise on the management of any difficulties that 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 further a questionnaire has issued to the child's mother which will help identify his educational needs and provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and the national educational psychological service on behalf of her child.
