School Enrolments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Questions (246)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

246. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a child (details supplied) in Dublin 4 has been refused a place in a local school due to the fact that the school has changed the admissions procedure to prioritise access for daughters of past pupils and girls attending Belmont primary school meaning the child does not qualify for a place; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ability of schools to discriminate against children in this manner puts these children at a massive disadvantage when it comes to securing a school place; that his proposed changes to the admissions system will still allow for discrimination in this manner; the steps he will take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22611/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. 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 on the basis of some other criterion. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.

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 the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Educational Training Board or to the Secretary General of my Department. The Child and Family Agency is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The Agency can be contacted at 01 6352854 or by e-mail at [e-mail]. The Deputy will be aware that the Government recently gave approval for drafting the Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2014. My aim in bringing forward legislative proposals in relation to school admission is to improve the admissions process and to ensure that the way schools decide on applications is structured, fair and transparent.