Finian McGrath
Question:221 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if persons (details supplied) will receive a place in second level education; and if he will make this case a priority issue. [13599/04]
View answerTuesday, 11 May 2004
Questions (190)
Written answers
The selection and enrolment of pupils in second-level schools is the responsibility of the school management authorities. 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 an area. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. However, where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides parents with an appeal process whereby a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses enrolment of a student. An appeal will generally not be admitted unless it is made within 42 calendar days from the date the decision of the board of management was notified to the parent or student concerned. However, a longer period for making appeals may be allowed as an exception where it is accepted that circumstances did not permit the making of an appeal within the 42-day limit. Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil. My Department will contact the parents of the child referred to by the Deputy to advise them on the section 29 appeals procedures.
In addition, under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the primary function of the education welfare board is to ensure that each child in the State attends a recognised school or otherwise receives an appropriate education. Through its educational welfare officers the board provides a welfare-focused service that is accessible to parents, school and others concerned with the educational welfare of young people.