Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 October 2019
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to persons (details supplied) who wish to send their child to their local primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40235/19]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that 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.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's capital investment programme provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for existing schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified. All school capital projects that have been approved, by my Department, under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA), may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.education.ie, which is updated regularly.
In this regard, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not received an application, for such funding, from the school in question.
My Department has no record of receiving a current application, for capital funding, for the provision of additional accommodation at the school in question.
