Minister for Education Mary Hanafin returned to one of her favourite themes yesterday - the admission policies of some second-level schools. Speaking at the annual conference of Catholic school managers (the Joint Managerial Board), the Minister said all schools should accept their responsibilities in relation to special needs pupils.
She has pointed out repeatedly how some schools are not doing so. Official figures from the Department of Education and Science, published earlier this year, underline the extent of the problem. They show how special needs provision in Dublin second-level schools is largely concentrated in disadvantaged areas, where up to 30 per cent of pupils in some schools need assistance. In contrast, the level of special needs provision is scant in many fee-paying schools and in the more affluent suburbs. Some schools in these areas have virtually no special needs students.
The Minister has done well to forcefully remind schools of their obligations under the Education Act. This legislation makes it clear no child can be excluded because of their academic ability or social background. To their credit, the teacher unions have also raised concerns about the issue, most notably at last week's conferences. ASTI general secretary John White has pointed out how there should be "neither ghettoes of advantage nor ghettoes of disadvantage in our schools system".
The reality, however, is that some schools continue to employ their own tactics to exclude weaker students. The traditional entrance exam may be unlawful, but some schools administer a series of tests and/or interviews to evaluate academic ability. In fairness, many schools - especially in the fee-paying area - have adopted a more inclusive policy since the controversy about admissions policies first surfaced. But others continue to evade their responsibilities.
Having identified the problem, the Minister now needs to take decisive action. It will not be easy. In her recent interview with this newspaper she acknowledged as much, saying she will need something more than anecdotal evidence to pursue a school which is operating an unfair admissions policy.
A sensible first step might be to make parents more aware of their rights in this regard. Those who are refused admission are entitled to appeal the decision under Section 29 of the Education Act. The Minister should encourage parents to use this route. She might also signal her readiness to impose sanctions - including loss of State funding - on those schools which are evading their responsibilities.