Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
504. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will review the case of a child (details supplied) who is living in the village of Dunmore who did not get a school place for next year in a school; if she will provide a solution to this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12773/24]
View answer505. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will increase funding and resources for a school (details supplied) to ensure that no child is left without an appropriate school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12774/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 505 together.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. 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.
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 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 Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/.
