Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:86 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the need for schools to have a clear admissions policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5214/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 19 February 2004
Ceisteanna (95)
Freagraí scríofa
Pupils and parents enjoy several legal rights regarding their choice of school for primary education. These derive from the Constitution, legislation and my Department's rules.
Statutory rights to choice of school derive from the Education Act 1998, section 6 of which provides for a number of objects to which those concerned with the implementation of the Act must have regard, including promoting:
the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents' choice having regard to the rights of patrons and the effective and efficient use of resources.
In addition, section 15(2)(d) of the 1998 Act provides that a board of management of a primary school shall:
publish, in such manner as the board with the agreement of the patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school ... and ensure that as regards that policy principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents' choice are respected and such directions as may be made from time to time by the Minister, having regard to the characteristic spirit of the school and the constitutional rights of all persons concerned, are complied with.
Officials in my Department are in consultation with officials in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government with a view to drawing up regulations under the Act governing the preparation of admissions policies. This work is ongoing and will be concluded as speedily as possible. The purpose of these proposed regulations is to promote greater consistency, transparency and accountability in decision-making at school level and to further the objective, under the Education Act, of equality and participation in education.