Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
120. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 100 children aged between five and 12 years are expected to be without a school place in the Dundrum area following the sudden closure of a school (details supplied); if so, his plans to find school places for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32820/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Trust of the school in question recently made a formal announcement regarding their decision to begin winding down this fee charging junior school. The school will continue operating until the end of the current academic year in June 2017 and will then close. In general, where a school is closing, the onus is on the Patron to assist in ensuring that any remaining pupils in the school are accommodated elsewhere. I understand that the Trust in question is committed to assisting parents in the transition of existing students to other schools where appropriate. To facilitate the process, my Department has provided the Trust with a list of the primary schools in the area. There are a number of primary schools in the surrounding area who have capacity.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents/guardians of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned.
