Vol. 480 No. 2
322 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education whether a parent has a right to get a school place for a child in a national school in his catchment or immediate area; and if so, if this right applies at the start of the education cycle or if it applies at any stage of primary school where the parent has moved house into a new area. [13471/97]
The enrolment policy of national schools, at any stage throughout the school cycle, is generally a matter for the board of management of each school. However, I expect that schools will cater for their immediate catchment 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 these schools will liaise to ensure that all children in the area can be accommodated.
Individual schools should alert my Department, in good time, where the need for additional accommodation is anticipated or where alternative arrangements need to be made to provide extra pupil places.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind and provides me with the details, I will have it fully investigated.
