Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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547. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received the value for money review of small rural schools; the date on which it will be published; the reasons for the delay in this; the persons responsible for conducting the review and drafting the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6018/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I have received the report of the value for money review of small primary school provision. It is under consideration by Government. Decisions on school provision and any possible reorganisation must be widely perceived to be cost-effective, equitable and reasonable. These decisions need to be based on a rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not just at a local level but also at both regional and national levels. It is my intention that the report will be published as soon as my Government colleagues and I have finalised our consideration of the report and its recommendations. I cannot give a precise publication date at this time. The review was conducted by a Steering Committee, which was appointed in line with the standard procedures for the conduct of a value for money review. The Committee comprised civil servants from relevant Government Departments and was led by an independent external chairperson.