Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Would the Minister accept that if there is large-scale closure of rural schools, children as young as four will have to be bussed over long distances on poor roads, and will he agree that this is not an acceptable situation? Will the Minister consider clustering schools together so that they can share resources and boards of management? This would be of assistance and allow real efficiencies for schools. Can the Minister assure us that the value for money report will be published in advance of any Cabinet decision? It is pointless to publish such reports after the Cabinet has made its decisions. At that stage there is no point in having a discussion or debate, because the Minister's hands and Cabinet's hands are tied. Will the Minister give us this assurance?

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