Tony Gregory
Question:180 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the action that has been taken to assist in locating a school place for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [31044/01]
Written Answers. - School Placement.
I am aware of the child referred to by the Deputy. 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 that 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 that 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 has helped identify his educational needs and provides my Department with her written permission to contact schools and 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.