Minister to publish new bill at teachers' conference

The Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan is to publish new legislation on school admissions policies today.

Under the Admission to Schools Bill, it is expected that schools will only be able to allocate 10% of places for children of past pupils.

Minister O'Sullivan will announce details of the Bill when she addresses the INTO conference in Co. Clare later today.

All primary and secondary schools will be obliged to comply with the new rules.

Schools will also be banned from charging parents to apply for places, except at private or boarding schools.

Waiting lists, which are seen to discriminate against immigrants and parents who have relocated, will be phased out under the new rules.

Religious schools will still be allowed to give preference to children of their faith, and schools will also be able to favour the siblings of current students and the children of staff members.