Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 March 2012
215 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a section 29 appeal will be accepted from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who was refused enrolment to a school; the arrangements that will be put in place to ensure that this child can return to school without any further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14210/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from my officials that the student in question was refused enrolment to a school which is maintained by South Tipperary VEC.
Under section 29 of the Education Act 1998, in the case of a school which is established or maintained by a vocational education committee an appeal against the decision of the board of such school shall lie, in the first instance to the vocational educational committee and thereafter to the Secretary General of my Department.
My officials understand from South Tipperary VEC that the appeal was not admitted due to delay in receipt of the appeal. Prior to admitting the appeal to the Secretary General, my officials are liaising with South Tipperary VEC in relation to its decision not to admit the appeal. I have asked my officials to deal with this case as a matter of urgency.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at NEWB, Heritage Business Park, Bessboro Road, Mahon, Cork or by telephone at 021-4536314.
