I propose to take Questions Nos. 808 to 812, inclusive, together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has responsibility for Educational Welfare Services including the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention.
The Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has a role in assisting parents or guardians source a school place where a child cannot access one, however it cannot compel a school to make a place available for a child. TESS engage proactively with the parent to signpost possible schools or other educational options that may be available and thereafter to advice & support on the application and appeal process.
While the matter is an operational one for Tusla, I am informed that TESS has engaged with three of the students in question providing advice concerning enrolments, appeals and capacity in other Kilkenny City schools. The remaining two students are not known on TESS records.
TESS does not hold information regarding the numbers on individual schools’ waiting lists however I can confirm that on 6th July, 2020 the Department of Education and Skills (DES) confirmed to TESS that Kilkenny and Carlow ETB has advised that places for first year applicants are available in Colaiste Pobail Osrai and Kilkenny City Vocational Schools.
It is open to the parent(s) /guardian(s) of children seeking a school place to make contact directly with the schools should they wish to submit an enrolment application.
TESS is available to parents and guardians to advise and assist in relation to enrolment procedures and appeals against refusal to enrol a student.
