As the Deputy will be aware, many representations have been received, and much consideration has been given to the matter to which the Deputy refers.
As previously outlined, for compelling educational reasons and to safeguard the integrity of the patronage determination process, both of the schools in question will operate as fully–vertical post-primary schools delivering both the junior and senior cycle. There is no change to this position.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Both schools operate under the same Patron who appointed a single Governing Authority to guarantee to Parents/Guardians and Students a fair and equitable enrolment policy for both schools and to ensure that the overall management of the campus will be as cohesive and effective as possible.
I understand from my officials that there are two section 29 appeals being processed in relation to refused enrolment to this school.
