Ten local families have taken an “unprecedented” move to appeal a decision by Calasanctius College in Oranmore to refuse their child a school place, according to local Fine Gael senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
The senator has revealed that last Tuesday seven families had their case heard by an appeals board set up by the Department of Education and Science under Section 29 of the Education Act. A further three families’ appeals will be heard in early March. Senator Healy Eames has warned that more families might take a similar step as 23 children, in category one (the most deserving category based on school policy ), have been refused places for September 2010 despite being from Oranmore, Clarinbridge, and Carnmore.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg. An overall total of 133 children who applied for a school place this year cannot gain entry. Furthermore, some families applying for a place for 2011 have been informed that the school is over-subscribed. Unfortunately, the signs are not good from the Department.
“In a most worrying finding I was informed, after putting down a motion to the Minister for Education last Wednesday [February 10], that Calasanctius College’s application was not a pressing priority. The current band rating assigned to the college is 2.5 whereas it would need to be in Band 1 to be top priority for the Department.
“I have brought this to the attention of the acting principal and the board at Calasanctius. They have assured me that it is their intention to present a strong and convincing case to have the band rating changed when they meet with Department officials next Monday [February 22].
Senator Healy Eames has called on the Minister for Eduction and his Department to sanction extra space to increase Calasanctius to an 800 pupil school. She has also asked for the approval of temporary space on the proviso that it would be made permanent space within two years.
“I am determined that all local children from Category 1 feeder schools will be accommodated in their local second-level school. They have an educational right to a school place,” said Senator Healy Eames.
