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School Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021

Wednesday, 2 June 2021

Questions (132)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

132. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) has the capacity for an additional first year class of between 30 and 40 students; the steps she is taking to facilitate the school in getting these additional school places which is in a catchment area that does not have enough school places at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29905/21]

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Written answers

I 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 wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in a number of school planning areas including school planning areas in Dublin 13.

Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place  to a number of  schools in the area

- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.

Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, including patrons in Dublin 13 in relation to post-primary school places for September 2021 and all available options are being considered.

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