Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
358. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on his plans to overhaul the school admissions policies and the way he intends to bring to an end the practice of Irish-medium schools prioritising the enrolment of pupils from Irish-speaking families at primary and second level. [34836/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I have indicated that I will shortly bring to Government draft heads of a Bill – the Education (Admission to School) Bill 2013. I will seek to publish the Bill in draft form to allow a full public discussion, including inputs from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection and the education partners. I also intend to publish draft regulations that I plan to make when the Bill is enacted. In bringing forward these proposals, my policy objective is to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that the way in which schools decide on applications is structured, fair and transparent. As the Bill and the Regulations will be published in draft form, they will also be subject to a lot of detailed scrutiny before becoming law. I will be reflecting carefully on the views expressed in the consultation process to ensure they strike the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.
