Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 45: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that he can retain an adequate number of rural schools throughout the country with particular reference to the need to encourage and augment the social, economic and educational fabric of rural Ireland in view of the degree to which such values have suffered over the years; if he or his Department have had any discussions with the planning and development authorities with a view to encouraging life in rural areas throughout the medium of high quality educational facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30936/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has been in a position to enter into dialogue with and resolve and issues outstanding with the representatives of various rural schools throughout the country deemed to be under threat of closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31245/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 89 together.

Ireland has a high proportion of primary schools relative to its population and has a high proportion of small primary schools. Many of the small primary schools are located in rural areas. The current configuration is being examined by my Department in a value for money review of the provision of small primary schools. Among the issues that will be taken into account are questions such as availability of diversity of provision, ethos of schools, parental choice, language of instruction, travel distances, transport costs and the impact of schools on dispersed rural communities.

My Department expects to publish the analysis and findings shortly after the summer. I hope that this report will foster constructive engagement both in the Oireachtas and among all interested parties in looking at the challenges ahead in the provision of primary education, with particular reference to rural and dispersed communities. Decisions on school provision 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.

As part of the Budget 2012 decisions, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a classroom teaching post in small primary schools is to be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. Some 73 small primary schools were originally due to lose a classroom teacher in September 2012 as a result of the budget measure to increase the relevant pupil thresholds. The staffing appeals process was made accessible to small schools that are projecting increased enrolments that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term. The outcome of the appeals process has been that 38 small schools have had their appeals provisionally upheld by the Appeals Board subject to confirmation that their actual enrolments in September 2012 reach the required level. In these extremely challenging times, all public servants are being asked to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources and teachers in small schools cannot be immune from this requirement.