Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2009
1101 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to expand a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 in order to meet the demands of the increasing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38256/09]
View answer1128 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the increased demand for places in second level schools in the Dublin 16 area and that this demand will increase in future in view of the fact that the primary school is expanding; his plans to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in a school (details supplied) to ensure that the demand for places is met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38700/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1101 and 1128 together.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of over 40 locations of highest population growth in order to identify the school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014/2015. When the required reports have been completed for these initial areas selected the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in the area referred to by the Deputies will be considered in this regard.
1102 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts he has made to secure appropriate schooling for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38288/09]
View answer1139 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision that is available for the special educational placement of a child (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38756/09]
View answer1162 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is no place for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin in the educational service. [38971/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1102, 1139 and 1162 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which assists parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find an alternative school placement if their child has been unable to secure a placement to date. I understand that the NEWB is actively assisting the family in question.
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. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the secretary general may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
I understand that enquires have been made regarding the lodging of an appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act regarding the refusal by a school to enrol the pupil in question. The necessary application forms have been forwarded to the family's representatives. On receipt of the completed application form, the appeal will be processed in accordance with the statutory provisions under the Act. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser, has also been engaging closely with the family. My Department, along with the NCSE, recently met with the Patron of a school to which an application for enrolment was made. A number of issues were discussed and clarification was sought in relation to the issue in question. The Patron has agreed to consider the matter and revert to my Department.
