Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the amalgamation of small rural schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37623/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that I have no current plans to undertake an immediate large-scale programme of small school closures at this time. The exception to this is small schools where the question of closure would arise in the normal course under the current sustainability limits. These will continue to be dealt with in the same way and such schools may be closed if the numbers reduce over time to an unsustainable level.

In considering any future policy changes relating to small schools, my Department is conscious that there is a wider dimension than just the cost of maintaining small schools to be considered. This includes the impact of school closures on dispersed rural communities, parental choice, the availability of diversity of school provision and the additional cost of school transport.

All Patron bodies and the Education Partners will be consulted as part of any initiative undertaken by my Department in the future.