Vol. 467 No. 7
204 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the guidelines for parents wishing to enrol their children in local national schools; the procedure applying when the parents are advised by the school that the child cannot be accommodated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14106/96]
The enrolment policy for primary schools is generally a matter for the board of management of each school and parents are advised to contact the board in the first instance.
My Department expects that schools will cater for their immediate area in the first instance. If, after that, places remain available, schools may enrol pupils from outside their area should there be a demand. Where more than one school caters for an area or parish, it is expected that such schools will liaise to ensure that all pupils can be accommodated.
You will appreciate that, with over 3,200 primary schools in the State, it is not possible for my Department to liaise with each school annually to ascertain where a problem might arise in the future. It is expected, however, that individual schools will alert my Department in good time where the question of the provision of additional accommodation arises or alternative arrangements need to be made to accommodate pupils.
My Department does liaise with local authorities and school patrons, particularly in regard to large urban areas, where major housing developments may lead to the need to provide new schools or extensions to existing schools.
