Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Ireland has a high proportion of primary schools relative to its population. It also has a high proportion of small primary schools. The majority of small primary schools are situated in rural locations. A review was initiated in October 2010 by the then Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government to establish the value for money being achieved from State funding of small primary schools. This value-for-money review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure. The current review is particularly focused on the smallest category of schools, namely, those with fewer 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, identify potential implications of such alternative arrangements and make recommendations as appropriate.

I do not have a predetermined view on the outcome of the review. 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 just at local level but at regional and national levels.

The review should be completed by the end of this year and I plan to consider its 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 already outlined.

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