Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
295. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene to assist in securing a school place for a child (details supplied) for the 2026-2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraParents 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.
At this time, where parents have not secured a school place for the 26/27 school year, TESS advise the parents to make applications to both local schools and schools outside of their locality. If the parents have not secured a school place by August 2026, the parents may contact the local regional office directly and they can assist the parents in securing a school place for their child. The contact details for the Kildare area are 01 5252166 or by email tess.dml@tusla.ie .
