Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

I want to comment on the importance of one and two-teacher schools, particularly in rural areas, and endorse what my colleagues, Deputies Robert Troy and Brendan Smith have said on this issue. I am concerned by the Minister's comments about using school buildings for other purposes. That might indicate that the Minister is considering closing some of those schools.

The Minister said the value for money review is being undertaken in the normal course of events. I have no objection to seeking to get the best value for money. However, we cannot consider the closing of one and two-teacher schools. I ask for a commitment from the Minister that no school will be closed during his tenure as Minister for Education.

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