School Placement

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2016

Thursday, 21 January 2016

Ceisteanna (148)

John Halligan

Ceist:

148. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the allocation of secondary school places and the relationship schools have with their feeder schools, particularly regarding a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; if the system used by schools is fair and equitable; if schools are obliged to follow recommendations from her Department or if they are within their rights to create and follow their own individual enrolment procedures excluding students from long-standing feeder schools and prioritising students from another area irrespective of the date of their applications; if many students are being placed in very difficult positions and in many cases have to travel great distances to avail of secondary placements; if a country-wide enrolment procedure should be adopted that would ensure the right placements for all students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2660/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. The enrolment policy must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.

Parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. The selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

I am aware of the concerns raised by the Deputy in this case. My Department has been in contact with the school concerned regarding arrangements for a meeting to discuss this and related issues.