John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We all recognise the importance of small schools within communities, particularly in communities that might have suffered the loss of other services. We are all familiar with towns and villages throughout the country that might have lost banking and post office services. There is always an outcry rightly when these things occur but the school should be sacrosanct within that. If we can support those small schools and communities to maintain their operation, it will keep the community vibrant.

I also welcome that the Minister outlined some feedback from the schools who operate in this scheme already. Two clusters in County Galway went separately about their business but found advantages through working together on the administrative support found in different aspects of the operation of the schools.

I know the professional dilemma school principals face when they are also charged with teaching a class. It is an extremely challenging position. Any support we can given to school principals in that position will be most welcome.

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