Vol. 525 No. 2
883 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take effective action to ensure that the constitutional right of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to attend school is vindicated; the action he will take to ensure that this 14 year old may attend a school within a suitable radius of where he lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24271/00]
I am aware of the details of this case.
Enrolment in second level schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of individual schools and my Department does not interfere in decisions made by schools in such matters. 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 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
An educational needs questionnaire has been completed by the child's mother to assist with the identification of his educational needs and to provide my Department with her written permission to contact schools and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, on behalf of her child. The advice of my Department's inspectorate is being sought in this case, and every effort is being made to find a suitable school placement.
