Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he supports the retention of smaller schools in urban and rural areas notwithstanding religious denominations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11133/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department is very aware of the importance of small schools to rural communities and particularly the most dispersed and remote communities. To sustain primary schools in these communities my Department has a more favourable staffing schedule for small schools that are more than 8 km distant from the next nearest school of the same type of patronage and language of instruction. This measure is designed to provide rural communities with security about the future of their small schools. With regard to school ethos, the government supports the concept of parental choice in our school system, whether that be a choice for denominational or multi-denominational education. In regard to retaining small schools, a specific commitment is given in the Programme for a Partnership Government not to close any small school without the consent of parents. I am mindful of the concerns of small schools and will take these into account in considering any planning for future provision.