Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
224 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding placements for students at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the alternatives open to these persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31662/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not received any notification that the person referred to by the Deputy has been refused enrolment to Cross and Passion College. Officials from my Department have contacted the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB has not received any notification that the person referred to by the Deputy has been refused enrolment to Cross and Passion College.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under section 29 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General may direct a school to enrol a pupil.
Information on section 29 appeals procedures, including an appeals application form and contact details for the relevant section of my Department, have been sent to the parents of the student referred to by the Deputy. The parents have also been advised to contact the educational welfare officer for their area to seek assistance in this matter.
