Changes to school enrolment appeals

A new appeal system for children refused school enrolment is still planned, but Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is to consider concerns raised about his idea to restrict it within schools.

There was strong opposition to his planned replacement of the current system which allows parents appeal to the Department of Education against a school which turns down a child for enrolment. In the outline of a forthcoming school admissions bill, he originally proposed giving the decision-making power to principals and that any appeal would be made to the school board.

But there was near consensus against the move at hearings of the Oireachtas Education Committee earlier this year from groups representing parents, principals and school management, with the likelihood of more cases ending in litigation among the most serious concerns. In its report to Mr Quinn ahead of the final drafting of a bill, which he wants passed by summer, the committee recommended retention of an appeal system independent of schools.