Question:
230 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the geographical and related criteria a national school can apply in the selection of pupils for the school; and his views on a situation (details supplied). [6047/02]
Written Answers. - School Placement.
The compulsory school starting age in a national school is six years of age and Rule 64 (1) of the Rules for National Schools provides that a child must be at least four years of age before she or he may be enrolled in a national school.
Section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act, 1998, provides that a board of management of a primary school “shall publish, in such manner as the board with the agreement of the patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school,”, and ensure that as regards that policy principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents' choice are respected and such directions as may be made from time to time by the Minister, having regard to the characteristic spirit of the school and the constitutional rights of all persons concerned, are complied with.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion.
My Department will carry out an investigation where it is claimed that a board is operating its enrolment policy in a manner that discriminates against a particular child. On the basis of the details supplied by the Deputy this does not appear to be the case in this instance.
In cases where parents experience difficulties in having their child admitted to a school, my Department gives assistance in securing a suitable school placement through the involvement of its inspectorate in a consultative process with the school authorities.