Vol. 470 No. 7
192 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the number of existing primary schools in terms of enrolment quotas which may discriminate at entry against children not of the religious faith of that school; and the way in which a reduction of pupil/teacher ratios may impact on the numbers of such schools. [20082/96]
I regret that it is not possible to provide figures on the details sought by the Deputy.
Primary schools with adequate resources, both teaching and accommodation, generally admit all pupils who seek entry. Accordingly, most parents are able to have their children enrolled in the school of their first choice. The managerial authorities of schools not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry normally implement an enrolment policy. Local circumstances may be such that, from time to time, the board of management of a particular school may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. The majority of Irish primary schools are denominational in their governance, structure and operation.
I do not envisage that a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio would have any overall impact on the enrolment arrangements made by such schools.
