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Gnáthamharc

School Enrolments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2012

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Ceisteanna (56)

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

51 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the boards of management of national schools are allowed to change their enrolment policies from year to year and in particular, with reference to the age of the child, in view of the fact that parents will need to plan ahead and will have to take into consideration the ensuing possible child care costs, if this is the procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30200/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard a board of management may deem it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular age group or to children living in a particular area or on the basis of some other criterion.

In relation to age, the position is that a child must be at least 4 years of age before she/he may be enrolled in a primary school. Subject to this requirement, individual schools may apply a selection criterion that prioritises children on the basis of their age e.g. to give priority to older children or to give priority to children who have reached the age of four by a date specified by the school. The selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based is matter for the individual school authority. In formulating an enrolment policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful and applied fairly to all applicants. As the Deputy will be aware, last June, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent.

Education partners and interested parties were invited to submit their views and the Department is currently co-ordinating their submissions. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment. I intend to bring legislative proposals to Government this year, the primary aim of which will be to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that every child has a place at school.

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