Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Public representatives on all sides were able to point to the success of DEIS and the research and evidence was there to demonstrate the importance of continuing DEIS. I have still a worry when I am aware that 16 schools in rural areas are losing posts under the review that has taking place.

It also concerns me that the measurement of poverty in a rural context may not be as accurate as it is for urban areas. Persons in a rural area do not have access to a library and other facilities. At times in the more crowded urban area the poverty is more apparent. I have a concern that so many small rural schools are losing those particular posts.

Do I take it from the Minister that his Department will accede to my request to release the information available, and it would appear that very little research was done in advance of the budgetary decision?

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