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. 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. The 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.
My Department gives assistance to parents where children are excluded from recognised post-primary schools. It endeavours, through a process of consultation with the schools and through the inspectorate, to secure a suitable school placement. My Department has no authority to compel a post-primary school to admit a pupil. It is often necessary to seek a placement in another school. Placement on a Youthreach programme may be an option in difficult cases.
Recognising the benefits of mainstream education from both an educational and personal development/socialisation perspective, the policy of my Department is to place all such pupils in a mainstream school, regardless of whether they are seeking educational provision through the courts or their cases otherwise come to the attention of my Department.