Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

Some months ago, in response to a Topical Issue debate on education, the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, pointed out that, "On numerous occasions in recent months, both the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, and the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, have stressed that on their watch no rural school will be forced to close or amalgamate without the express wish of the local community involved". I note from the communities that they have no wish to see their local schools closed or amalgamated.

A spread-of-population issue arises for many of the schools that are covered by the proposed Bill, especially in regard to schools in certain rural areas and on the islands. However, they must not be penalised for that. The Bill simply asks that all reasonable provision be made to ensure the continued operation of the schools in the event of their attendance levels declining. An important point arises regarding the use of the demographic trends established in the last census of population. There was an interesting presentation this morning on the census. The facts are all available.

We do not want to go to the other extreme, namely, oversupplying schools built solely for political gain in certain areas. Small schools have had a better pupil-teacher ratio but this must be balanced with the challenge of teaching students of varying ages in the one classroom. Our national schools comprise the first real steps on the formal education ladder. Mar a deireann an seanfhocal, "Tús maith, leath na hoibre". A good start is vital for everyone, regardless of whether one lives in an area of high population density or an isolated rural area with pupil numbers in single figures. Quality of education and equality of access are vital for everyone.

There is no doubt that smaller schools are in danger. The budget cuts and the cuts to expenditure in education are increasing the difficulties for all schools, but there are some schools that can manage a little better than others. Smaller schools are in a different arena. The cuts to smaller schools could make circumstances so difficult for them that they would be forced to close, with disastrous consequences for their communities. Small schools do work and this can be seen from reports of the Department of Education and Skills following assessment and inspections. The most recent departmental inspectorate's report found no significant relationship between school size and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in schools. The Minister himself stated small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities, and we do not want to see further unravelling of that fabric.

The small schools value-for-money review is still pending. I agree with the INTO's call for a forum after the publication of the report to discuss it and produce a strategy for small schools. I suggest the random selection of principals, teachers and parents to engage in the discussion.

In practical terms, fewer schools will mean longer periods of travel for some pupils and significant increases in the cost of travel. However, we know there is more to the closure of a small school than the loss of the school itself. I am from the city and, like many Dubliners, have a great grá for rural areas. I was very supportive of the rural resettlement scheme and was delighted to see families from Dublin moving to the country. Part of the attraction was moving to a small community with a small school. We know the Celtic tiger created sprawling housing estates with few or no resources and massive demand in certain schools. There are schools in urban areas bursting at the seams and schools in some rural areas losing numbers but we must strike a balance and take account of this.

Glacann scoileanna Gaeltachta agus scoileanna ar oileáin sa Ghaeltacht páirt riachtannach agus ríthábhachtach maidir leis an teanga a spreagadh agus a chur chun cinn. One final point about island schools, which comes from a friend of mine who has been an island principal for over 35 years, is that a two teacher minimum is vital if the curriculum is to be covered adequately and satisfactorily. There should be full facilities and fast Internet access comparable to standards on the mainland because island parents have no other choice. The local school, it must be stressed, nurtures the local culture and traditions of the area. She stated the school is the heartbeat of any small community and young families will not settle in the island communities unless their children are guaranteed high standards comparable to those of the mainland schools. Her last point was that if we deprive the island parents of this, we ring the death knell of our island communities.

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