406. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of a child (details supplied) who has yet to receive a school place for the upcoming 2026/2027 school year; if her Department will assist in ensuring this child receives a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51865/26]

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.

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 student 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. 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.

Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS have advised that the child referenced in this PQ is not known to Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) and no referral has been received to date. At this time, 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, they 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 Marino area is 01 7718815 or by email tess.dne@tusla.ie.