Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
453. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if the local schools in an area can between them accommodate all pupils who are seeking a school place given that it is her responsibility to ensure same; and if she will ensure that a school placement is identified for a student (details supplied) with special needs who requires a school transfer. [24438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme is one of three Leaving Certificate options made available by my Department for senior cycle students that schools can choose from. It is the responsibility of individual schools to decide which Leaving Certificate programmes to provide.
Schools are encouraged to provide maximum access to these Leaving Certificate options and to have clear admission procedures in place regarding how the available places are allocated to students. However, the final decision to provide LCA rests with the board of management.
Under the Education Act 1998, the school Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. The child's guardian may wish to write to the board of management of the school outlining their query regarding LCA and the Transition year programme. It is a matter for the Board to consider requests form Guardians on behalf of students.
For admission to other schools, other than the intake year, schools are required by the Admission to School Act to set out procedures for admission to other years, for students who are not already admitted to the school. Parents and Guardians are advised to contact other schools for information where they may be considering applying for admission.
