To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 44211/11-15, to detail (i) how many applications were received; (ii) how many of these applications were withdrawn throughout the admissions process; and (iii) to outline the reasons why applications were withdrawn.

(i) A total of 23,614 applications were considered during Stage 1 of the 2015 Pre-school admissions process.

(ii) An additional 51 applications were received but withdrawn before they could be considered for placing.

(iii) The Education Authority has advised that only the Western Region records reasons for the withdrawal of applications. In 2015 one application was withdrawn as the child had moved out of the jurisdiction.