New rule to end school entry discrimination

Schools are set to be banned from discriminating against new entrants based on a lack of family school connections, where they were born, cultural background and — in rare cases — specific health conditions.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn confirmed the major step during his speech at the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland conference.

And while the move is expected to receive criticism from some quarters, he said it was necessary to ensure children of all backgrounds had equal educational opportunities.

Under the plans Mr Quinn will shortly put forward new rules for school enrolment, which will then undergo public discussion.

The change will specifically prevent facilities from deliberately or accidentally discriminating against the children of families with no ties to the school in question.

As a result, it is expected to address concerns that some children with different cultural backgrounds are being excluded from certain schools, among other matters.

“Put simply, schools should be inclusive,” said Mr Quinn. “There is a difference between dealing with over-subscription which means all [children] simply cannot be accommodated in the school of choice, and a situation where a child can find no place at all.”