Minister calls for school to apologise to girl refused admission

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald has today called on the principal of a Munster secondary school to apologise to a girl who was refused admission.

The teenager was twice denied a place in the lay-owned Catholic ethos school - firstly in 2009 because she was pregnant and secondly on the basis of being a single mother.

Children's Ombudsman Emily Logan, who has heavily criticised the school in a report into the matter, has also urged the principal to issue an apology.

Minister Fitzgerald said that the girl should have been given every support she needed to ensure she could continue with her education.

"Best practice would ensure that a young woman in this situation could continue her education and it's very disappointing to hear that it has been so difficult for her to do that," she said.