Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
504. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students in counties Wicklow and Wexford currently holding a place on two or more school lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14341/26]
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.
In order to facilitate an efficient admission process for schools and applicants, the admission’s act allows schools to share information relating to the dates an application for admission was received and made by the school, including the date an offer was accepted by the applicant and data relating to a student’s identifying personal details (to ensure that it is the same person applying to both schools). It is open to schools concerned in a locality to agree and put in place arrangements for any sharing of information under the act, and for the admission of students. Good coordination between schools can help ensure that this is managed and worked through at the earliest possible stage of the annual enrolment process.
In addition the act provides that an offer of a place in a school cannot be made or may be withdrawn by the school if, when accepting an offer, the parent/guardian does not inform the school that they have accepted an offer or offers in other schools and provide details of same. This also applies if the parent does not inform the school that they have applied to another school(s) and are awaiting confirmation of a place.
