Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
200. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the baptism barrier provision in the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 will be commenced; if schools can still request the submission of a baptismal cert in respect of a potential pupil in oversubscribed schools and in undersubscribed schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2924/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, was signed into law by the President on the 18th July 2018.
This Act is an important piece of legislation which will introduce a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools in this country and a fair and balanced school admission process for all pupils.
The Act contains a provision, which was commenced on 3rd October 2018 and is operational since that date, amending the Equal Status Act 2000 to prohibit the use of religion as a selection criterion in primary school admissions, with certain protections provided to ensure that a child of a minority religion can access a school providing a religious instruction or religious education programme consistent with his or her religious beliefs.
