Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
189. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the pressure on school places for primary school students in the Swords area; if consideration has been given to the addition of extra capacity for a school (details supplied) to alleviate this pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15279/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, two new Primary schools will be established to provide additional school capacity in the Swords area in North County Dublin. These schools will open in September 2019 in suitable interim accommodation.
In relation to school admissions, parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available, the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary. 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. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. The Deputy will note however that the selection process procedures and enrolment policy are the responsibility of the individual school authorities.
My Department has no record of receiving a current application, for capital funding, for the provision of additional accommodation at the school in question.
