Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Due to the serious leaks about the value for money report, which appear to be credible and valid, there are fears in many rural communities that they will be faced with the abandonment and closure of their local schools. They provide a wonderful, high quality education, which in many cases, is as good, if not superior, to that provided by larger schools. I cannot see the logic to this. These schools fear for their existence, particularly due to the fact that the Minister announced prior to the 2011 general election that he would not enforce the amalgamation of rural schools. One irrational aspect to this matter is these schools have been refurbished and extended to add classrooms to a good standard over the past number of years. It would be worrying if amalgamations and closures were pursued and it would be another blow to rural Ireland. These communities take great pride in their local schools. The teachers, parents, pupils and the wider community are involved in fund-raising, maintenance and, sometimes, security.

I acknowledge the Minister is missing because he has to attend to other duties but I am sure the Minister of State can give us comfort. He comes from a rural area near my own part of the country and he must also face the genuine people who could be affected by this issue. He will acknowledge the wonderful standard of education provided by these schools. We need to put this issue to bed rather than causing bother and worry in rural communities. We have endured enough with the closure of several schools.

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