Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
84. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will convene a meeting of post primary schools in Ennis, County Clare, with a view to resolving the severe pressure in terms of securing a secondary school place of choice in Ennis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21893/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. It is important that school size is monitored and that a balance is preserved among all the schools in catchment areas. My Department is not in a position to develop one school where this may negatively impact on other schools in the area. I am aware that this may however result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
As you will appreciate there is also a responsibility on schools to manage their own enrolment policies to ensure that they operate within the level of accommodation available to them. As the patron and school authorities in the Ennis area are in ongoing liaison with my Department, I do not consider that convening a meeting as proposed would be beneficial at this time.
