Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Last Friday, speaking at the Irish Primary Principals Network Conference, I undertook to enter into discussions with it about international research and possible 21st century options for small rural schools which exist in different countries and situations.

Small schools close but that is because of a loss of pupils. Small primary schools which have had to face closure in recent years were those which were no longer viable due to falling enrolments. The enrolment in such schools had typically fallen below an average of - wait for it - eight pupils for two consecutive school years. That is the level to which one had to go before the school had to close. School communities should have no reason to feel that there will be a forced closure of their local school. If any school community thinks otherwise, my Department will engage with the school patron and board of management on the issue and address any concerns they have.

When speaking last week at the Irish Primary Principals' Network annual conference, I made clear to it that the budget measure on small schools will be proceeding as planned. The measure will stand but the Department is open to considering any practical and workable proposals that will bring about greater efficiencies in the management and governance arrangements for small schools. The Department will engage with the relevant stakeholders on this issue.

The Deputies will be aware that a value for money review on small primary schools is currently under way in the Department. This covers approximately 600 schools which have 50 pupils or less - virtually one third of the total number of schools we have.

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