Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent of the efforts to date to find a second level school place for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42338/24]
View answerMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In 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.
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 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.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO).
A Senior Educational Welfare Officer (SEWO) has contacted the parent and has confirmed that the student has a school place and is attending a school in West Dublin.
The SEWO has advised this parent that there are closer schools to where she is residing and sent them applications re same, however the parent has advised that they would rather send the student to his current school until a place becomes available in her locality. The SEWO advised the parent of current pressures on school places in North Kildare as this parent seems to remain hopeful of a place in the school of their choosing. The parent was advised that TESS cannot compel a school to enrol her son when the school is full. The parent was advised that schools are starting to accept application forms this month for school places for the school year 2025/2026 and the parent to apply using the official application form.
