Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 May 2008
241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has examined the request for admission to primary schools by parents of young children in respect of which a shortage of school places exists; the action he will take in 2008 to meet such shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20227/08]
View answerThe Developing Areas Unit of my Department is advancing the delivery of 30 new primary schools which are planned to be in place for September 2008. These projects are being delivered in areas which have been identified as areas of rapid population growth. To deliver its 2008 programme, the Developing Areas Unit has been working closely with relevant Local Authorities on the acquisition of sites and on general preplanning issues. The Forward Planning Section of the Department is identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be needed for 2009 and onwards. This is also being done in close consultation with local authorities Forward Planning Section's findings will feed into the Developing Areas Unit for further action.
Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area. If schools feel that they do not have sufficient places to meet demand they should contact my Department without delay, so that the situation can be examined as to how best to provide whatever additional capacity is required
242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that school authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare have been forced to revise the age threshold for new entrants from June to February due to the lack of adequate school accommodation and the serious affect on the education of children in such circumstances; the extent to which he proposes to meet the school’s accommodation requirements for September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20228/08]
View answer243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children seeking a school placement at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2008; the extent to which he expects to provide the necessary accommodation to meet such requirements without a restrictive admissions process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20229/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
Enrolment decisions are the responsibility of the Board of Management of each individual school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment by schools. The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. It is only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld that the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. In general my Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
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. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Equal Status legislation. In the event of additional accommodation being required at short notice it is open to a school to apply to my Department for the provision of temporary accommodation.
