Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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100. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in addressing the specific issues of rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42146/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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259. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the school authorities of smaller rural schools with a religious ethos who have expressed concerns regarding their future; if he will ensure that the concerns of such bodies are particularly borne in mind with a view to assuaging the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42457/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he and or his Department has engaged with patrons of smaller schools with a religious ethos who are concerned for the future of their schools; the extent to which he has been able to assuage their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42459/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 259 and 261 together.

I am aware of the concerns of smaller schools and rural schools. Our overall primary school enrolment has been growing rapidly in recent years and this is going to continue. In managing the resource consequences of this, it is important that decisions on school provision and organisation are based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not just at a local level but also at both regional and national levels. Our current configuration of small primary schools has been examined by my Department in a value for money review which is currently under consideration. This review takes account of the ethos of schools and the locations of small schools relative to other schools of a similar type. The report's contents will be carefully considered with my Government colleagues prior to its publication. The Government is mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take these concerns into account in considering any planning framework for future provision of primary schools.