Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Ireland was very much or predominantly a rural country, but that started to turn around in 1961 and it is now predominantly an urban country in many respects. That is having an impact in so many ways. Changes in retail policy, transport and other areas are having a major impact not just on Irish society but also in countries such as France, Italy, Spain and many others. We are no different; we are affected by the same factors. I recognise the central importance of a school in any community but particularly in isolated rural communities such as those on the islands that could not function without a school. I do everything to ensure island communities have access to a school and there is no question of their not having access to a school. One could ask why one island has two schools less than one mile from each other but that is another matter. I want to have the report published as soon as possible. I want to ensure it is available in order that people can see what it states. Perhaps we should have a debate and a discussion about what the implications are. I would like that to happen.

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