asked the Minister for Education if she will indicate in respect of catchment areas applicable to national schools, whether it is obligatory on the national school to accept students within the appropriate catchment area in question.

National schools are generally provided to serve the needs of a specific area, usually a parish, and to accommodate the children residing therein. Should the limit for which school accommodation is available be insufficient to cater for all such pupils, it may be necessary for school authorities to restrict enrolments temporarily pending the provision of adequate accommodation. Where sufficient accommodation is available the national school would be expected to cater for all pupils in the relevant areas who apply for admission to it. If the Deputy has any particular case of difficulty in mind I shall be prepared to have the matter investigated if he furnishes me with particulars of it.

I am glad the Minister has established the principle. Is she aware that in certain instances students are unable to obtain enrolment in schools which provide for the area in which they live?

I should be glad if the Deputy would bring specific cases to my attention.