Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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503. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent of her ongoing dialogue with the authorities in respect of smaller urban or rural denominational schools with a view to meeting, in so far as is possible meeting the concerns of the school authorities involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3911/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I am aware of the concerns of the authorities of the smaller denominational schools. 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.