Fergus O'Dowd
Question:130. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 759 of 3 November 2020, if she will address further queries raised in correspondence. [35572/20]
View answerWednesday, 11 November 2020
Questions (130)
Written answers
As outlined in the previous response in relation to school enrolment, it is a matter for the parents to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupils should be admitted. It is the responsibility of the school authorities to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Acts, 1998 -2018.
The measures provided for in the Act do make the admissions process transparent and consistent for all. The Act creates confidence for parents that the admission criteria laid down by schools and the procedures used by them are visible and fair. One of the key provisions in the act is that schools must accept all applicants that seek to be enrolled, unless the school is oversubscribed. Where schools are oversubscribed a selection process will be necessary.
The act does not introduce a selection criteria or a priority in admission for categories of applicants, such as those working overseas, or those who relocate within the country due to work or for other reasons. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to influence or manage the admission processes of individual schools. It is open to parents under the act to take a section 29 appeal where the school refuses to admit an applicant for reasons of the school being oversubscribed.
Should a parent be experiencing a difficulty in obtaining a placement, the Education Welfare Act covers all children between 6 to 16 years of age. Therefore, if any parent is in a position where they cannot secure a school place for their child they may wish to call TUSLA Education Support Service (TESS) which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500. www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/