Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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326. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate if and when a school place will be found for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42450/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My 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).

The EWS confirmed on 17 October 2024 that the child referred to by the Deputy is not known to Tusla Education Support Services (TESS). TESS have sent a parental referral to the family address on 15 October 2024. Where a school has no places available the Educational Welfare Service cannot compel a school to enrol a child. There are significant shortages of school places in North Kildare currently, therefore all families living in this area are advised to apply to as many schools as possible, both within the local area and further afield.