Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

423 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not been provided with a school place in St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare, in view of the fact the teacher in the Convent of Mercy primary school did not give her a registration form; if he will direct St. Mary's College to make a place available to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15153/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I was not aware of this case previously.

The selection and enrolment of pupils in second level schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school and my Department does not become involved in decisions made by schools in this area. However, schools are expected to disclose their enrolment policy and the criteria used in selecting pupils for enrolment.

In exceptional circumstances where parents have made all possible efforts to obtain a school placement without success, my Department will provide assistance in obtaining suitable placement. In this case my Department will communicate with the parents of the person referred to in the Deputy's question to establish if they require such assistance.