Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2011
19 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the review of small rural schools which is currently taking place, the number of submissions that have been received to date; when the review is expected to conclude; if he foresees any school closures as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5511/11]
View answerA review is underway at present in order to establish the value for money being achieved from state funding of small primary schools. This value for money review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure.
The closing date for receipt of submissions to the value for money review of small primary schools was Friday last, 18th March 2011. A large response was received and the submissions are currently being sorted and acknowledged. I can confirm that almost 1,000 submissions have been received.
I do not have a pre-determined view on the outcome of the review. Educational quality for the pupils must be one of the main criteria in any consideration of primary school size and organisation, taking into account both the needs of local communities and wider social and cultural factors.
The review should be completed by the end of this year and I plan to consider the review's outcomes when they are finalised. My consideration will take place in the context of the resources available to the Department and the other factors I have outlined.
