Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2016
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which he expects to ensure the viable operation and retention of smaller rural or urban schools including those with a particular ethos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18536/16]
View answerMy Department is very aware of the importance of small schools to rural communities and particularly the most dispersed and remote communities. To sustain primary schools in these communities my Department has a more favourable staffing schedule for small schools that are more than 8km distant from the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction. This measure is designed to provide rural communities with security about the future of their small schools. With regard to school ethos, the Government supports the concept of parental choice in our school system, whether that be a choice for denominational or multi-denominational education. In regard to retaining small schools, a specific commitment is given in the Programme for a Partnership Government not to close any small school without the consent of parents. I am mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take these into account in considering any planning for future provision.
