Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called on the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn to make a firm commitment to protect small rural schools into the future. Deputy Smith has said there are still ongoing concerns about the long term implications of the Small Primary Schools Value for Money Review.

The local TD commented, “Following pressure from Fianna Fáil this week, Minister Quinn confirmed that no early decision will be made in relation to recommendations on the future of small rural schools. While this provides some immediate relief for communities concerned about possible school closures, the Government has still failed to make any long-term commitment in this regard.

“I have made a submission on behalf of Fianna Fáil to the Department of Education & Skills Consultation on the Small Primary Schools Value for Money Review. It reiterated our position that small rural schools must be protected from closure. We made a strong general election pledge on retaining small rural schools and we will hold firm on this position.

“Those of us familiar with the realities of rural living understand that as well as achieving high standards of education, schools are at the heart of our rural communities. Fianna Fáil in Government doubled the number of teachers in small rural schools and stopped plans for forced amalgamations discussed when Labour last controlled the Department of Education. Our small schools in Monaghan have benefited from major investment over the past number of years and have been upgraded or provided with extra space and facilities. The Department of Education must take into account the role these schools play in their community and the wider implications of closure.

“I am heartened by the determination of our communities to stand up against any attempt to shut down any of our small schools in Monaghan in the future. Great credit is due to the schools here who have made their submissions to the Department,” concluded Deputy Smith.