Kitt calls for small schools protection

Galway East Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kitt has called on the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn to make a firm commitment to protect small rural schools into the future.

He made the call in light of the ongoing Small Primary Schools Value for Money Review set up while he was a Government TD. Deputy Kitt claimed that there “are ongoing concerns” about the long-term implications of the review, which was set up by his party colleague, former Minister for Education and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan in October 2010 following recommendations by the Special Group on Public Services and Expenditure, or An Bord Snip Nua.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) representative in Galway, Lough Cultra National School principal Joe Killeen, spoke to The Clare Champion last week stressing the quality of education given to children in small schools as well as the intensely positive effects of the small school on the community in general. In light of the Government review of small primary schools, Mr Killeen contended that they give value for money.
“The standard of education is very high in small schools and this is borne out by Whole School Evaluations carried out on them,” he said.
This week, Deputy Kitt called for Minister for Education, Labour’s Ruairí Quinn, “to come clean about the implications of ‘clustering’ rural schools” despite being a Government TD when the review began.
“Following pressure from Fianna Fáil last 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,” claimed Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kitt.
“Fianna Fáil has made a submission to the Department of Education and 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,” he went on.
“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 Galway 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 now calling on Minister Quinn to clarify this issue once and for all. He must come clean about the implications of ‘clustering’ rural schools and the impact that this practice will have on our communities,” Deputy Kitt stated.
“I am heartened by the determination of our communities to stand up against any attempt to shut down our small schools in Galway in the future. Great credit is due to the schools here, who have made their submissions to the Department,” concluded Deputy Kitt.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education confirmed to The Clare Champion, “There are no plans to undertake an immediate large-scale programme of small school closures at this time.
“The exception to this is small schools, where the question of closure would arise in the normal course under the current sustainability limits. These will continue to be dealt with in the same way and such schools may be closed if the numbers reduce over time to an unsustainable level.”
“However, the Department of Education and Skills is commencing a Value for Money (VFM) review of small primary schools. In considering any policy changes relating to small schools, the department is conscious that there is a wider dimension in addition to the cost of maintaining small schools, to be considered. Among the issues that will need to be taken into account are the impact of school closures on dispersed rural communities, parental choice, the availability of diversity of school provision and the additional cost of school transport,” the spokesperson continued.
According to the department, there is a standard procedure in relation to applications for the amalgamation of schools and that such amalgamations stem from the school’s patrons and trustees.
“To comply with this procedure, an application to amalgamate schools must be made by the patron/s or trustees of the schools concerned. It is necessary for this application to confirm that a consultation process has been carried out by the patron/s or trustees among the boards of management, parents and teachers. It must also indicate that these parties are in agreement to the amalgamation and that the patron/s or trustees consent to it,” the spokesperson concluded.