School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Questions (125, 155)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the threat to smaller rural schools; the number of any such schools likely to be faced with closure in the short and medium term; if he is conscious of local preferences in regards to such schools including traditional ethos; if he accepts the need to ensure that such communities are catered for in the future to the greatest extent possible notwithstanding the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51330/12]

Denis Naughten

Question:

155. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in addressing the specific issues of rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51216/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 155 together.

I am cognisant of the importance of schools to rural communities. Given our recent population growth we will have a much increased enrolment at all levels of education which is expected to continue in the medium term. Many pupil places are required in areas that currently have no school provision at all and we have schools in areas of stable or declining population with relatively low pupil numbers. Our current configuration of small primary schools is being examined by my Department in a value for money review. Among the issues the review will take into account are questions such as availability of diversity of provision, ethos of schools, parental choice, language of instruction, travel distances, transport costs and the impact of schools on dispersed rural communities. My Department expects to publish the analysis and findings shortly and I look forward to a constructive engagement on the matter.