Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010
537 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the common application and entry scheme to post primary schools in Limerick city; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the present system discriminates against some children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20374/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. The Deputy will be aware that a Common Application System (CAS) was agreed between the principals of the post-primary schools in Limerick City. This system has been facilitated through the Limerick Education Centre (LEC) with support from my Department. Whilst this administrative system ensures that a co-ordinated approach can be taken to enrolments in the area, each school authority, in accordance with the Education Act, 1998, retains autonomy in relation to its own enrolment policy.
A Board of Management 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. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Any review of the CAS would require consultation with the relevant stakeholders involved. My Department, at local level, also maintains contact with the relevant stakeholders, including, where necessary, discussing any issues that arise in relation to its operation.
