Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will allay the fears of the boards of management, the teachers, the parents and pupils of our small national schools throughout the country by reassuring them that their future is not under threat by any proposals that may arise in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A review was initiated in October 2010 by the then Fianna Fáil/Green Party government in order to establish the value for money being achieved from state funding of small primary schools. This value for money review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure.

I do not have a predetermined view on the outcome of the review. Educational quality for the pupils must be one of the main criteria in any consideration of primary school size and organisation, taking into account both the needs of local communities and wider social and cultural factors. Decisions on school provision and reorganisation must be widely perceived to be cost-effective, equitable and reasonable. These decisions need to 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 review should be completed by the end of this year and I plan to consider the review's outcomes when they are finalised.