Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2018
92. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if information exists on the number of housing estates in County Dublin which do not fall within the catchment area of a secondary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2461/18]
View answer93. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if information exists on the number of housing estates in County Dublin which do not fall within the catchment area of a primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2462/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
In schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. 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. For example, some schools give priority to applicants who have siblings in the school. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department therefore does not hold the information sought by the Deputy.
A school's 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. However, it may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice.
