Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire Mary Mitchell O’Connor and Chairperson of Fine Gael’s Internal Committee on Education said today’s announcement by the Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan TD, that will protect small schools and secure their futures.

“The Government has agreed the implementation of new policies to better support the sustainability of small schools. The approach involves improved changes to the staffing schedule for some small schools and will improve their staffing levels.

“The Government has also agreed the publication of the Value for Money and policy review of small schools, which was commissioned by the previous Fianna Fáil-led Government. It’s recommendations have not been accepted as they would have threatened the future of small schools.

“Small schools are a vital part of the local communities in which they are situated. I am delighted that the Government is moving to protect them. They small schools play an essential social function, particularly in isolated rural communities. Securing their future is an integral part of protecting rural Ireland.”