Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will commit to publishing the value for money review of small schools by September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36313/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As I committed to the House, I will ensure publication of the report at the earliest possible date which I expect will be shortly after the summer.

I have discussed the progress of the report with my officials and realise that it has not proved possible to meet the original timeframe envisaged due to the amount of detailed technical work involved. Nevertheless, this detailed technical work was necessary so that the review would comprehensively explore the scope for possible alternative organisational approaches and identify the potential implications of any such arrangements for small schools. This is vital to provide a sound evidence base for policy making.

Publication of the review report will help to inform our decision-making in relation to small primary schools.