Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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73. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to maintain the fabric of smaller rural and urban schools under the patronage of all churches, with particular reference to the need to ensure that such communities are not in any way marginalised arising either from demographics, location and-or socioeconomic status, and having due regard to traditional commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42152/13]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans regarding small rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42246/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 86 together.

The Government is very cognisant of the important role of primary schools in the fabric of local communities. 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. A Value for Money review of Small Primary Schools has been recently presented to me. The report's contents will be carefully considered with my Government colleagues prior to its publication.