Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I am a past pupil of a one-teacher rural school in County Meath. I had the same teacher from junior infants up to sixth class. As a result, I am well aware that the level of education provided at the type of schools to which I refer is of a high quality. I left primary school in 1996. The school I attended has now become a two-teacher mainstream school and has a resource education special needs assistant and secretarial support. A large amount of money has been invested in this state-of-the-art school. I merely use this school as an example. Many schools in my constituency and others could tell the same story.

There is great anxiety and worry among parents and staff about the current review process. I acknowledge that the process began prior to Deputy Quinn's time in the Department but that does not diminish the worry and anxiety felt. When will the Minister come back to the House, and to the parents and staff of the schools? Can we have a commitment that no two-teacher school will be closed in the future? These schools are important for the education of children and the fabric of rural society. Will the Minister promise that no two-teacher school will be closed and give a timeframe for his report to the House?

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