Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

It was in 1991 that the OECD published a report citing the importance of small schools to rural regeneration. What most people want to know is why the Minister is going down this track. Is it to achieve cost savings? If so, what are those savings? He said in his reply that he is trying to spread the increases across the system. Much of the concern is because such schools are part of their communities' distinct identities. The reports coming back to me, as a public representative, are that the changes announced in the budget will lead to the closure of schools. If the reason for the decision was to try to achieve some sort of rationalisation or amalgamation of schools, changes will be required in the Department. If he is encouraging the amalgamation of small schools, the issue of school sizes needs to be examined. If two schools agree to come together, that is not recognised under the current system. The big concern is that these changes will lead to the closure of more schools. They will also affect rural and Gaeltacht areas that have already suffered due to the closure of Garda stations and post offices. The school is the heart of the community.

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