Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

203 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide a place for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in the school in their locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12435/02]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

204 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide a place for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in the school in their locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12436/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.

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/he may be enrolled in a national school. Children of compulsory school-going age must have a place in a national school and overall there are more than enough places available.

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 which 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.