School places and John McNeela case
Deputy Ó Murchú raises families’ difficulty securing secondary-school places in Dundalk and also seeks progress on the John McNeela case. The Tánaiste promises an update on the legislation involved and points to work on a common school-application system.
Within the last while in Dundalk, County Louth and across the State, parents have made applications for their primary school children to get a place in secondary schools. Unfortunately, a number of those in Dundalk and its environs have had to make contact with me. I will go through these very quickly.
My daughter got rejected. We are absolutely devastated.
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My son has not been selected for any school for next year.
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My son is now the only boy from his soccer team, Gaelic team and hurling team that does not have a school place for next year. A lot of his friends have had multiple offers.
Here is the crux of the matter:
Surely this could be changed to a process more like the CAO, where kids can put their choices in order of preference and each child be allocated one school place.
That has been done in certain places - I am not saying perfectly - and it needs to be looked at.
If the Tánaiste would allow me a certain element of flexibility, does he have an update in relation to the pension case of John McNeela, the father of Michael McNeela who was killed in Lebanon? In an answer to a parliamentary question, he said this may or may not require legislative change. I know he is committed to dealing with it but we would obviously like to get it dealt with as soon as possible.
Comment on this
The Deputy always makes a very efficient use of his time. There are two important issues there. On the John McNeela case, it will require legislation. I have asked my officials to explore the most expeditious vehicle with which to take that forward. I will ask that a written update be sent to the Deputy very shortly on that.
On the issue of school places, the Minister for education, Deputy McEntee, is doing what the Deputy suggested by putting in place that kind of common application system - I think that is the phrase. It is rolled out in a number of areas to test it. This year, it is hoped that it may be rolled out more broadly in the time ahead. We are also trying to bring forward dates for enrolment and the like. I take the point the Deputy made. I will ask the Minister to specifically look at the issues in relation to Louth and come back to him directly.
Comment on this
Could the Tánaiste provide a route map? These people here should be-----
