Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I congratulate Deputy Smith on his appointment as Fianna Fáil spokesperson on education. I hope to have a constructive and positive relationship with him, as we have had in the past. On the comments made by Deputy Calleary, let me take this opportunity to clarify the record in regard to the value for money exercise in rural schools. There are 620 rural schools in the country with less than 50 pupils. Last October, the former Minister and Deputy, Mary Coughlan commissioned a value for money exercise in line with normal Government practise. The deadline for submissions for that VFM expired recently, which is the reason for the publicity and attention attaching to them.

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