Dempsey will force schools to take students

EDUCATION Minister Noel Dempsey has said he will force secondary schools to enrol students being denied access to classes.

His warning came amid accusations from a teachers’ union leader that the Department of Education failed to act sufficiently on an admissions crisis in Limerick of which they were made aware at least six months ago.

Ahead of day-long meetings with schools, parents and public representatives to address the situation, which has left 16 children without a second-level school place in the city, Mr Dempsey said he will not hesitate to use legal powers available to him to ensure entry to school for all students.