Ann Graves
Ceist:116. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Education and Youth the options open to a family (details supplied) attempting to secure a school place for their five-year-old child. [22779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 March 2026
Ceisteanna (116)
Freagraí scríofa
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available for the relevant year, the student 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 students not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
In accordance with the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, schools are required to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. It is an important feature of the act that schools can only make a decision on an application for admission that is based on the school’s admission policy.
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.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. At this time TESS advise that the parent makes applications to both local schools and schools outside of their immediate locality that they may not have already applied to.
Under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, statutory school attendance is 6-16 years. The child referred to by the Deputy will not be 5 years old until June. However, the EWS will provide guidance and assistance to the family in applying for a school place.
If the parent requires any further advice or guidance at this time, they can contact the regional office for their area. The contact details are 01 5252166 or by email tess.dml@tusla.ie