School Placement

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Ceisteanna (317)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

317. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has had any engagement with An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive or Túlsa in relation to issues arising from the death of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in 2006; if any regard has been had to the recommendations that have been made in respect of this case, as they apply to her Department; if she accepts that the failure to secure a second level school placing for the young person contributed to their problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31493/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Educational Welfare Service of the Child and Family Agency or Tusla is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. Tusla falls within the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Formerly, assistance to parents with schools placements was provided by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) who at that time reported to my Department. The NEWB and its functions have now been transferred into Tusla. The Deputy will be aware that I have published a draft General Scheme for an Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill, 2013. The Government recently gave approval for drafting the Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2014. My aim in bringing forward legislative proposals in relation to school admissions is to improve the admission process and to ensure that difficulties with obtaining school placements which may have occurred in the past are now addressed.