Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

In the context of cutbacks in budgets, we must be careful about the way we deal with the education of children in primary schools, especially concerning the restructuring of schools which is likely to emerge in the area of small rural schools. Let us look at the evidence. One size does not fit all. In this context I wish to welcome one measure, namely, the review the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, is now to grant for DEIS schools. We need the same measure to apply to small rural schools.

I am aware the value for money report on small schools is to issue next month and I will wait to hear the results. When one cuts small schools, those with two to four teachers, one does not simply affect the children and the school but the entire community. I taught in a small rural school which originally had four teachers but went to three when numbers fell, whereupon I had to leave. I know the effect that had across the board. Perhaps this point was missed. However, if we are about to cut back on small schools, it would be much more honest to call for a debate on the amalgamation of small schools instead of getting rid of them by stealth. We must proceed carefully on this issue. It is a matter of great concern across rural Ireland. Some 1,000 schools are affected.

I welcome the comment of Senator Coghlan on the words of the Lonely Planet guide. It is worth noting the guide still recommends Ireland as a place to visit even though it states Irish people have low self-esteem. Some counteract that by alcohol but the good news is that same endorphins that are released by alcohol can be released by exercise - walking, running, etc. Many people throughout the country have cottoned on to this and in this context we are doing the same in Leinster House with the setting up of a walking group. We should be much more positive about ourselves.