Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure the future of smaller urban and rural schools with particular reference to the need to honour long standing denominational commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45275/17]

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, particularly the most dispersed and remote communities.

As the Deputy will be aware in order to sustain primary schools in these communities my Department has a more favourable staffing schedule for small schools that are more than 8km 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.

The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a specific commitment 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.