Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Government to reconsider any plans it may have to pursue this matter. The factors involved here include the need to preserve the social fabric of rural communities and quality education provided to children in rural areas and the issue of transport. Where schools amalgamate, children must travel longer distances to larger schools, which gives rise to significant transport costs for parents and taxpayers. The Government must provide immediate assurances on this matter to public representatives and put the minds of members of the public at ease. People are faced with enough problems.

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