Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
530. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the options available to a parent regarding a school admissions application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48423/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools are required to have drafted new admissions policies, which have been approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. It is a key requirement of the act that all school admission policies are fair and transparent.
Parents have the right to 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 will 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 act requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500 (tessinfo@tusla.ie) for assistance. More information on school attendance is available on their website on the following link: www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/.
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have created downloadable, user-friendly materials and advice for parents and students to support their wellbeing in school. We would like to direct you to some of these resources which you might find helpful to support your daughter at this time.
Information for parents:
• How to Calm and Support your Child: Advice for Parents and Guardians
• Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Guide for Parents and Guardians
• Reluctant Attenders Information for Parents and Guardians
These resources are available to view here
Information for students:
Managing Thoughts and Feelings – A Guide for Students
• Dealing with Anxiety
• Dealing with Fear Coping Strategies
• Managing Panic
These resources are available to view here
While schools have an important role in supporting young people, the provision of child and adolescent mental health services lies within the remit of the Department of Health, and the HSE specifically.
