John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important issue which relates to the removal of a rural co-ordinator for a number of DEIS schools on the Mayo-Sligo border. This matter first came to light when the rural co-ordinator was withdrawn from non-DEIS schools in the area as a result of recent cutbacks. As a result, St. John's national school, Carramore, Kinaffe national school, Swinford, Castlerock national school, Aclare, and St. Attracta's national school Kilmactigue, have been left without either a home-school community liaison officer or a rural co-ordinator.

I am disappointed that the Minister for Education and Science is not present to take this matter. However, I am aware that the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, is a fair-minded person and I urge him to obtain a successful resolution in respect of this matter.

The schools to which I refer have been informed that they will receive some form of grant in lieu. However, this can in no way replace the service on offer at present. Principals, teachers and parents have informed me about the wonderful service that the rural co-ordinator provides at present. She runs parenting, preschool and many other courses for each of the schools and undertakes home visits which create a healthy understanding among families and the schools their children attend and ensure that a holistic and caring education is delivered to those children. Rural co-ordinators have been one of the success stories of the primary education system in recent times. They give children in rural schools an even playing field and help to overcome disadvantage and isolation.

Any grant given in lieu of the loss of a rural co-ordinator, while a help, will not in any way replace what it is proposed to remove. A recent letter from the Department states that it is reclustering review considered the size and geographical proximity of other schools and indicated the service was withdrawn for this reason. Surely the overriding decision should have been based on the level of disadvantage. To be constructive, the schools in question produced a new cluster involving Lahinch national school, which would be an acceptable solution if it were taken on board.

In rural parishes the rural co-ordinator becomes the spokesperson for parents who will not or cannot speak for themselves. I appeal to the Minister of State to use his good offices to ensure those with responsibility for this decision change their minds. The savings obtained from removing the rural co-ordinator in the primary school cluster in question would be minuscule, whereas the loss of service would be substantial. I appeal to the Minister to reconsider the decision and allow the post to be retained in the schools in question.

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