Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I welcome the discussions that are taking place with the Scottish authorities as a move in the right direction. It is difficult at present for small rural schools to make plans. They are haemorrhaging populations through emigration and will also have to deal with the impact of the changes to school transport policy which come into effect next September. It is difficult to plan when one is standing on shifting sand.

If a stay of execution was given to allow them to consider the potential for clustering and demographic changes in the short to medium term, particularly in the context of school transport changes, they would be in a better position to assess their viability. I fear that in some communities children as young as four will have to be bussed or driven long distances on bad roads during the winter. That should not be the objective of our education system.

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