Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that he will not close any national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8911/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a value for money 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 review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure. I have no 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. The review should be completed by the end of this year and I plan to consider the review's conclusions when it is finalised.