Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2015
196. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the reduction in junior infant intake in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2920/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the patron/managerial authority of those schools.
I also wish to clarify for the Deputy that the school in question is recognised by my Department as a two-stream national school i.e. its annual intake comprises two junior infant classes and grows incrementally each year. As a once off arrangement, the patron approved an intake of a third junior infant class for the 2014/2015 school year only and my Department provided funding for a classroom for this purpose.
I further wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in contact with the patron of the three schools in the area in question in relation to enrolments for the forthcoming school year. My Department understands that the Patron is consulting directly with the schools concerned relating to the enrolment matters raised. My Department will continue to liaise with the Patron, who has ultimate responsibility for the governance and management of the schools concerned.
