105. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to fulfil the programme for Government pledge to roll out common application systems; the progress made on establishing a common applications process for secondary school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17560/25]

Sentiment score: 0.15

For the first time, common application processes are included in the programme for Government, which is great. If there are not enough school places in an area, a common applications process, CAP, cannot make up for that. It will streamline the enrolment process for families, some of whom face months of stress waiting to find out if their child has secured a place in their local school. Will the Minister update me on the common application trial, which principals in Dublin 15 are spearheading for children with additional needs, the Department's involvement and her plans to implement a CAP for secondary schools, which is very much needed in Dublin West?

Sentiment score: 0.15

I thank the Minister. Yes, we have our trial in Dublin 15 and I commend the principals on it. There are 13 schools involved but with the support of the Department, it can be scaled up. The trial done for secondary schools is being run independently, and with the Department's involvement it can be piloted in other areas, such as Dublin West, as a project. As I have said, when it comes to the common applications process we still need sufficient places. Will the Minister give an update on the autism classes for September 2025? Five primary school classes and four secondary school classes have been approved. We have another emerging issue in Dublin West, whereby parents might secure a place but the modular buildings have not been put in place for the school year. I would particularly like an update on Danu Community Special School.

Sentiment score: 0.32

I thank the Minister. The truth of the matter is that parents go through a rollercoaster to secure a school place in Dublin West. There are lengthy waiting lists that have to drop in order for children to attend school and it is very stressful. A new secondary school in Hollywoodrath is excellent news for the Blanchardstown and Mulhuddart school areas but not when it is at the expense of the new school that opened in Barnwell, Hansfield. We need both schools. I do not trust the figures from the Department that justify this move. The Department states there is significant movement across the school areas, with 60% of students leaving the Blanchardstown and Mulhuddart areas to go to other school areas, with 33% leaving the Blanchardstown school area. This does not take into consideration one of the problems with our admissions policies, whereby some deal with catchments while others deal with feeder schools. Many of the children in the area are in feeder schools.

Sentiment score: -0.00