Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Tom Hayes

Question:

343 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a parent has the right to transfer a child from the primary school they have attended since commencing education to another school to repeat sixth class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15486/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The primary school curriculum is designed as an eight year course, including a two year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year.

The normal procedure should be that a pupil is promoted to a higher standard at the end of each school year. In exceptional circumstances, where the principal of a primary school feels that a pupil would benefit educationally by being held for a second year in a class, such a retention should take place only in the third or fourth standard.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. However, my Department is of the view that pupils who have completed sixth class must not transfer to another school to repeat sixth class. In this regard, it has advised boards of management that if a school were to enrol pupils from another school to repeat sixth class, the pupils shall not be included as eligible pupils by the Department for staffing and other purposes. Consequently, capitation and other grants in respect of such pupils shall not be paid.