Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I know from correspondence and conversation with the Minister that he is seeking to reshape the discussion and move towards a conversation that allows for all communities to plan for their own sustainability from an educational perspective. I agree with his view but at this stage to make dialogue a reality and to provide for the educational needs of children attending small schools I would go further than he has gone. Last February or March when we had a debate during Private Members' business my position on that occasion was to challenge patrons and boards of management of small schools to encourage parishes and communities to come together to discuss how best to provide for the educational needs of children in the area in the future. It should not merely be a question of providing school buildings and so on. A more proactive, less laissez-faire approach is necessary. The schools that want to amalgamate have nowhere to go. The Department tells them that it is not its business and the patrons claim the same. In my area there are several small schools within a few miles of one another. If the best educational outcome for children is to be achieved, which is key, the ideal is for these schools to amalgamate. Instead, there are turf wars about which schools children should attend and the kids are losing out. The Department should intervene when the number of teachers in a school drops to one. It should take responsibility for recommending amalgamations, not boards of management which are not in a position to dictate to neighbouring schools. An inspector should visit an area to discuss transitional arrangements for transport.

A reality check is necessary, in that there cannot be small schools everywhere and I am not referring to schools on islands. As a politician from a rural area, discussing amalgamations is not the most popular choice. However, where children's education is a priority, someone must show leadership. The Minister for Education and Skills can do so. People in rural schools are crying out for it. Will he engage with them and show leadership?

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