Gay Mitchell
Ceist:173 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if a primary place is available for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 in the locality of his home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5102/01]
Written Answers. - School Placement.
The compulsory school starting age in a national school is six years of age and Rule 64 (1) of the Rules for National Schools provides that a child must be at least four years of age before she or he may be enrolled in a national school. Children of compulsory school-going age must have a place in a national school and overall there are more than enough places available.
The managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry, normally implement an enrolment policy and it is their responsibility to devise and implement such a 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.
My Department will carry out an investigation where it is claimed that a board is operating its enrolment policy in a manner which discriminates against a particular child. On the basis of the details supplied by the Deputy this does not appear to be the case in this instance.