99 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the discussions she has had with the representatives of the privately run Protestant secondary schools, especially in the Border areas, regarding the cuts that were imposed on them by her; if she will ensure that these smaller rural schools will be provided with sufficient funds and structures to allow them maintain a proper level of staffing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41088/10]

I wish to assure the Deputy that I am committed to supporting education in schools under Protestant management, while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. In this regard, I had a useful meeting with Protestant educational representatives on 9 September last. At the conclusion of that meeting, we agreed to continue our discussions on funding issues pertaining to Protestant fee-charging schools. Since then, my officials have had further meetings with the educational representatives and will continue to do so. I am committed to continuing this engagement with members of the Protestant community, as I believe that these issues are best resolved collaboratively.