Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the ongoing challenges facing island schools in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4819/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the additional challenges faced by schools on the islands. In view of these challenges, in Budget 2017 I set out different appointment and retention figures for the appointment and retention of mainstream teachers in primary schools.

I have received a report (dated September 2017) from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish, the Gaeltacht and the Islands in which the Committee sets out its views concerning the challenges faced by schools on the islands. I have asked my officials to examine the report and the needs of all island schools, including post primary schools. The work of the group commenced in late 2017 and will progress in 2018. The working group will consider the report and see what assistance can be provided to these schools as a way forward.