Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans regarding smaller schools at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17792/13]

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that irrespective of the new Value for Money Report on Education, in making his decision on the recommendations of the report he does not authorise anything that will have a detrimental affect on the existence of small schools in rural Ireland. [17827/13]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 5 together.

The report of the value for money review of small primary schools is being finalised and it is expected that it will be submitted formally to the Minister for Education and Skills shortly. I understand the Minister intends to bring the report to Cabinet for discussion and consideration prior to its publication. The Government's response to its recommendations will be considered in that context. No policy decisions have, therefore, been taken on to the report's findings or recommendations at this stage. It is expected that the report of the review process will provide a valuable evidence base, which will help inform future policy direction in the area of small primary schools. Decisions on school provision and any reorganisation must be based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs not just at a local level, but also at both regional and national levels. The terms of reference of the review acknowledge the important role that primary schools play in their local communities and Government is conscious of this. Following Government consideration, the Minister intends to publish the report in due course in line with the normal procedures under the value for money review process.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for his reply. What are the Government's thoughts on small schools? He indicated that the value for money report is due to go to Cabinet in the coming weeks. However, its recommendations and findings need to be used to support small rural schools and not as a rationale for closing them. I would like an assurance from the Minister of State that he does not wish to close any school and that he will not introduce a policy similar to those the Government has introduced previously such as increasing the pupil-teacher ratio in small schools, as this will lead to the forced amalgamation of schools. A few weeks ago, the Minister for Education and Skills indicated in Sunday newspaper reports that the value for money report was likely to opt for 80 pupils as the optimum minimum for a school to operate, which is worrying and concerning, as was the tone of the Minister's conversation around this, which did not indicate any sense of opposition from him to anything that might jeopardise small schools. Almost one third of our primary schools or 1,000 schools are in the category with an enrolment of less than 80 pupils. I would like the Minister of State to assure these schools that they will continue to be supported and that the Government does not have an underhand agenda to close them.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I note the issues raised by the Deputy. The review commenced in October 2010 under the Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and such value for money reviews are part and parcel of governance within the State. It is important that we try to ensure as we best we can that the ethos of rural schools is maintained in the context of the positive impact they have on their communities.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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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.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I again acknowledge the Deputy's concerns in this regard and I reiterate that the report is being finalised. It has, therefore, not been completed and the concerns raised by both Deputies should form part of the policy outcome. However, no final policy decision has been made.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State's reply does not assure me or the one third of primary schools with an enrolment of less than 80 pupils about the Government's plans for their future. We are aware the report has not been published yet. We are asking for an assurance from him that he has no intention of closing schools but we have been unable to get that, which is concerning. I refer to the Department of Justice and Equality, which has closed rural Garda stations. It would not be difficult for the Minister of State to give an assurance that small rural schools are safe.

The Government's policy of cutting the minor works and capitation grants, particularly the former which is worth upwards of €5,000 to every small school, depending on size, is crippling small schools and making it very difficult for them to survive. The Minister of State has not provided any assurance that it is Government policy to support rather than close small rural schools.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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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.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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It is not right for Deputies to up the rhetoric on this issue when a final decision has not yet been made. In the case of rural schools with only a small number of pupils, it is eminently reasonable and sensible to proceed with amalgamations when they can be achieved through a process of consensus. The annual savings to be achieved are available for everyone to see. The budget measures set out a target of saving 250 posts over a three year period. Deputy McConalogue is a member of the party which instigated the review in question. Let us be honest about how we approach this issue. It is appropriate to have a value for money report on small schools. It is not proposed to compromise the ethos that exists in rural communities. I do not propose to mouth platitudes about representing either a rural or urban community because most Deputies are familiar with the importance of rural schools and their positive impact on local communities. From a policy point of view, the decision must have regard to this fact.