Schools play an important part in rural communities - Quinn
Posted on February 02, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Rural communities represent a cornerstone of Irish heritage and schools play an important part in rural communities, the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, told the Dáil this week whilst speaking on a motion on small schools.
During the debate Minister Quinn called for a 'genuine conversation on the role that can be played by rural schools' and how we can reshape our school system to ensure that these communities are supported and maintained.
He explained there was no increase in the Budget in the general average of 28:1 in our primary schools but it did include a phased increased in the pupil threshold for the allocation of classroom teachers in small primary schools.
"The only thing that is changing for small schools is that their average class sizes will no longer be as advantageous as they have been in the past due to the phased increases in the pupil thresholds in the staffing schedule. The existing staffing appeals process will be accessible to small schools."
Minister Quinn added the debate allowed him the opportunity to state categorically that the measure is not about closing schools, schools which he has acknowledged play an important part in our communities, particularly in rural areas.
You can see Minister Quinn's full contribution in the accompanying video and below you can find links to videos of other Labour contributions.
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