Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 December 2013
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action that can be taken by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 to secure a school place for their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52406/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware from my reply of 14th November last, Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of an Education and Training Board (ETB) school to the ETB in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school, expels a student or suspends a student for 20 or more days in any school year. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld. Section 29 appeal forms are available from my Departments website or directly from section 29 Administration Unit. The contact details for section 29 Administration Unit is Section 29 Department of Education & Skills, Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath or by phone 044 9337008. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which may be in a position to assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB may be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement within the pupil's area. The contact details for the NEWB is National Educational Welfare Board, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7, phone number 01-8738700. My officials have discussed the case in question with the NEWB.
