I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 40, 47 and 49 together.
The Minister has previously made clear on a number of occasions that the final phase of the Budget 2012 measure in relation to small schools will not be suspended. Flexibility was introduced to the staffing appeals process for the small schools affected by the budget measure to enable them to retain their existing staffing level if they are projecting the required level of enrolments for September.
When the Minister was in County Clare recently he stressed that the Budget 2012 measure is not about closing small schools. He indicated that the Budget measure puts their staffing arrangements on a more sustainable basis. He also indicated that he is open to hearing various views in relation to maintaining rural schools. The Minister has had initial discussions with the CPSMA and the INTO in relation to their proposals on the issue of primary school consolidation and reorganisation.