Under new school admission rules the days of putting a child's name down on a school waiting list as soon as they are born are over.

The earliest parents will now be able to apply for their child’s place in school is the first of October, the year before admission.  Schools have been given a five-year period for current lists to expire, allowing them to honour commitments already made.

What do you think about this? Is it a positive step?  What has been your experience of school waiting lists?  What lengths did you have to go to ensure your child’s place in school?  Do you welcome this new approach?

Susan Keogh spoke first to Brian Mooney, Education Columnist & Guidance Councillor on the issue and then got the thoughts of listeners.