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School Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2019

Thursday, 14 November 2019

Ceisteanna (73, 74)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

73. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 276 of 5 November 2019, if the additional accommodation will be in place for a school (details supplied) for the commencement of the 2020-2021 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46908/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

74. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 276 of 5 November 2019, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some students have not been offered a place in a school in the area despite applying for each commutable school in the town and surrounding districts; his views on whether this is fair; and his plans to address same. [46909/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for additional accommodation from the school in question. I wish to advise the Deputy that the assessment process to determine the school’s permanent accommodation needs is nearing completion. The provision of any additional accommodation on the site must be carefully planned considering the limitations of the site. A decision will be conveyed to the Patron as soon as the assessment process is completed.

I also wish to advise that in order to meet the immediate accommodation needs of the school, interim accommodation has been approved. I can confirm the Patron is currently tendering for the interim accommodation approved and it is expected to have all interim accommodation in place for September 2020.

In relation to school admissions, 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. This 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. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. The Deputy will note however that the selection process procedures and enrolment policy are the responsibility of the individual school authorities.

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