Vol. 525 No. 2
904 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps that have been taken by his Department to secure a school place for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has not attended school since March 2000 and who has not been able to secure a place in a second level school in view of the fact that his mother submitted an educational needs questionnaire to his Department in August 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24609/00]
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.
