Update: Rural Schools of Protestant Ethos 9th July 2014

Uimhir:62

Ceist Pharlaiminte

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíoctha
To the Minister for Education and Science

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to
be in a position to meet the concerns and requirements of the patrons of
smaller rural schools of the Protestant ethos; if he has had further
discussions with such school authorities with a view to reaching agreement on
the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 8th July, 2014.
Reference Number: 29373/14

Freagra

Minister Ruairí Quinn

I am aware of the concerns of all the patrons of smaller rural schools,
including those of a Protestant ethos. How best to sustain provision for widely
dispersed and small Protestant communities does present as a particular
challenge especially in any locality where enrolment in their schools is
declining to single figures and amalgamation is not an option because there is
no other school nearby. The Government is intent on fostering pluralism in
school provision. Supporting minority churches in maintaining their schools is
part of that policy. Nevertheless, resources have to be distributed to schools
in a transparent and equitable manner. In this regard, pupil numbers are the
fairest basis on which to allocate resources to a school, irrespective of its
type.  Eight  small schools of a Protestant ethos were successful in their
staffing appeal for September 14.