The Ombudsman for Children has said there is “no justifiable reason” to allow schools to give children of past pupils priority in their enrolment. Mr Bruton’s plan to remove the “Baptism barrier” for entry to Catholic primary schools from September of next year, meanwhile, drew a mixed response on Wednesday. Under amendments to school admissions legislation, all Catholic primary schools will be prohibited from giving enrolment priority to baptised children in cases where they are over-subscribed. The vast majority of primary schools – just over 90 per cent – are of a Catholic ethos. The Catholic Primary Schools Management Association said removal of the “Baptism barrier” was not necessary as the provision of extra schools would ease the problem of the shortage of school places.

Source: The Irish Times May 09, 2018 19:07 UTC