Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter since it affords me the opportunity to outline to the House the current position regarding the value for money review of small primary schools. Ireland has a high proportion of primary schools relative to our population and also has a high proportion of small primary schools. This review was commissioned by the former Fianna Fáil and Green Party Government to establish the value for money being achieved from State funding of small primary schools. This value for money, VFM, review is part of the review processes undertaken by Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure.

The focus of the current review is especially on the smallest category of school, that is, schools with less than 50 pupils. The terms of reference for the review are published on my Department's website. Among other things, the review seeks to examine the scope for alternative policy or organisational approaches to improve efficiency and effectiveness of provision in terms of school size, to identify potential implications of such alternative arrangements and to make recommendations as appropriate. I expect the review will be completed by the end of this year.

The value for money review commenced in October 2010 under the direction of the then Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms Mary Coughlan. The views of stakeholders are important in the process of the review. Public consultations have been taking place to obtain the views of small schools, parents and communities. In addition, direct invitations were issued to interest groups such as the school patron bodies, management bodies, teacher unions, Irish language groups and other groups which operate in the area of social inclusion. A large response has been received to the consultations. I understand that Deputy McGrath has participated in the consultation process as well.

In considering any future policy or organisational changes relating to small schools, I am aware that the majority of the small schools are located in rural areas. There will be a wider dimension to be considered in addition to simply the cost of maintaining small schools. Local communities are proud of their schools and will make strong arguments to retain them. Among the many issues that will need to be taken into account are the impact of the schools on dispersed rural communities, the question of parental choice, the availability of diversity of school provision and also the cost of school transport.

Educational quality for the pupils must be one of the main criteria in any consideration of primary school size and organisation, taking into account the needs of local communities and wider social and cultural factors. Decisions on school provision and reorganisation must be widely perceived to be cost-effective, equitable and reasonable. These decisions need to be based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not only at a local level but also at regional and national levels. I do not have a predetermined view on the outcome of the review. I plan to consider the review's outcomes when they are finalised. My consideration will take place in the context of the resources available to the Department and the other factors I have outlined. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.

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