Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
444. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if, in the case of schools refusing enrolment access to student applicants, the correspondence should state clearly that they have been placed on a waiting list or that they may not be accepted at all, but in order to pursue a section 29 appeal, they must first ask the school to review its decision (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16494/22]
View answerAll schools drafted new admissions policies under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. These newly revised admission policies were approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the schools website.
To assist schools with consistency with the application and implementation of the new provisions required by the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, the Department developed FAQs and templates for the new admission policy, Admission Notice and Admission statement. The templates for the school’s admission policy includes information on the appeal process in the event of oversubscription. The school referred to by the Deputy also includes this information in their school admission policy. Templates can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/c5bd9f-school-enrolment/
The parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed.
Where an applicant has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, the applicant must request a review of that decision by the board of management prior to making an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.
