Vol. 430 No. 8
251 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, because of lack of school places for children wishing to attend St. Brigid's, Castleknock, Dublin 5, children are being denied an opportunity to commence school in some cases until they are at least five-and-a-half years of age; and if she is responsible for this change in policy which essentially makes school starting age five years or over.
The enrolment policy of a primary school is a matter for the board of management. Generally, decisions on enrolment take account of the accommodation available, the pupils and staff already in the school, and the pupils nearest the school.
My Department provides grant assistance for extra accommodation based on the number of places already provided and the projected enrolment for the area. In this instance no request for extra accommodation has been received in my Department.
