Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
339. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos.113 and 179 of 11 March 2014, in the context of the overall analysis of demographic data, where he says that his Department is addressing the short-term needs with the relative patrons, the steps that are open to parents where all the patron schools in the area refuse to take their child. [13433/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that on 12 March 2013, I announced that a new Educate Together primary school for the Malahide/Portmarnock area is expected to commence operation this coming September. The commencement of this school will alleviate pressure for school places in the area. This development is part of the process of primary school divestment and follows surveys of parents on patronage choice in some 43 areas including in Malahide/Portmarnock. The school will be temporarily located in Holywell Educate Together National School. My Department is continuing to work on permanent accommodation for the school. With regard to the Swords area, my Department has agreed additional junior infant intakes in three of the schools in the area. This will provide some 84 extra junior infant places for this coming September to relieve pressure for places in that area. To answer the Deputy's question directly, 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 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Educational Training Board or to the Secretary General of my Department.
