Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
598. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the recent concerns of teaching staff at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal regarding the long-term future of the school; her plans to ensure that the school will continue to remain open and serve the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15612/15]
View answerI can confirm that my Department has not received any correspondence from the school referred to by the Deputy regarding its long term viability.
I recognise that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities and will continue to be so. It is for that reason that I recently announced that a voluntary protocol for amalgamation is being developed for the very smallest schools. The protocol is still under development. Under the protocol, my Department will write to the patrons of all such schools that are located within an 8 km distance of another school of similar patronage and language of instruction. The letter will invite them to reflect on the benefits that amalgamation opportunities might provide in order to create more sustainable school communities into the future. Engagement with the protocol will be entirely voluntary.
