New threat to smaller county schools

The axe hangs over one-teacher schools in Galway, as the Minister for Education continues to sit on a value for money report into small schools.

The report, believed to be political dynamite, has been sitting on the desk of the Education Minister, Jan O’Sullivan, and her predecessor, Ruairi Quinn, for almost two years now.

In 2010, when the report was ordered, Galway had 72 small schools, which was the highest in the country.

The Department of Education report into the future of small schools was furnished to the then Minister Quinn in April, 2013.

Despite having major implications for scores of schools, and hundreds of pupils, the report has yet to be published.

Responding to queries from the Connacht Tribune, the Department’s press office said: “The report of the value for money review of small primary schools is not published yet. It is still under consideration by Government and it won’t be published until that consideration is finalised. The Department is not in a position to give a precise publication date at this time.”

Galway West TD, Éamon Ó Cuív, says failure to publish the report has created further uncertainty among small schools in the west. Deputy Ó Cuív says he and Fianna Fáil have been ‘stonewalled’ by the Minister at every turn as they seek the publication of the report.

Figures obtained by Deputy Ó Cuív show that there are 44 one-teachers schools in Ireland and seven of them are in Galway – one teacher schools are thought to be most at risk from the review.

He has demanded an explanation as to why the review hasn’t been published.

“I cannot understand why Minister O’Sullivan is refusing to publish this important report, and clarify the Governments position on small schools. The Government seem to be putting off this issue on the basis that they have not got the guts to make their own decision on this issue having considered the report,” said Deputy Ó Cuív.

He added: “Galway and Mayo have a disproportionately high number of small schools, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of these schools is proving highly damaging.

“This Government has set about targeting small rural schools, by repeatedly cutting resources and increasing class sizes. This has forced the closure of some of these schools.

“Galway and Mayo have been particularly susceptible to these cuts, and now have the highest number of one-teacher schools in the country.

“Many of these schools are fearful that they too may be eradicated under this administration. Minister O’Sullivan needs to publish this value for money report and end this uncertainty.

“Parents and students have a right to know whether there is a future for their school and it is unfair for the Minister to continue to draw out this process.”