Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to liaise with smaller denominational urban and rural schools with particular reference to the need to recognise their ethos and ensure that commitments previously entered into or understandings reached over generations continue to be recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2916/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Our current configuration of small primary schools has been examined by my Department in a value for money review, which I am considering in consultation with my Government colleagues. There are many aspects to be considered in regard to school provision, apart from pupil enrolment. Among them are questions such as availability of diversity of provision, ethos of schools, parental choice, language of instruction, pupil travel distances, transport costs and the impact of schools on dispersed rural communities. I am mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take them into account in considering any planning framework for future provision of schools.