Bernard Durkan
Question:484. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a school place can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12540/21]
View answerWednesday, 10 March 2021
Questions (484)
Written answers
In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 . My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
Parents have the right to 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 will be necessary.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 act requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. 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. Nonetheless, where a school is oversubscribed some pupils may not obtain a place in the school.
The Educational Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency (EWS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The EWS can be contacted at 01-7718500 for assistance. More information on school attendance is available on their website on the following link: https://www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/.