Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

In a recent statement to the Dáil the Minister stated that between 60,000 to 70,000 additional pupils would attend primary schools over the next five years. Due to the fact that our small primary schools will benefit on a pro rata basis from these numbers, I believe the strategy outlined in the budget is badly thought out. No proper cost-benefit analysis has been done and the proposals will create a huge urban-rural imbalance in the country. Millions of euro have been invested in our smaller schools over recent years for structural improvements, additional classrooms and exterior facilities. I ask the Minister to rethink seriously proposed policy due to the disastrous detrimental effect the current proposals will have on rural communities. These communities are already under siege due to lost services and infrastructure over recent years and the remaining small shops, post offices and Garda stations are diminishing monthly.

Now, in the past few weeks our smaller primary schools have come under serious threat. This is uncalled for. We have some control in this regard unlike other matters that are beyond the control of Government. The fate of these schools is in our hands.

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