The programme for Government contains a clear commitment that no small school will close without the consent of parents, in order to protect the sustainability and viability of our rural communities. However, I was contacted earlier this week about Coláiste an Chreagáin in Mountbellew. Parents of students at the school received text messages stating that the school would not be taking enrolments in September. Are plans in place to ensure there will be full consultation with parents of this school prior to any decision on its future?

I am not sure who sent out text messages to that effect. Teachers are employed by the boards of management and paid by the Department of Education and Skills. The Government has no intention of closing down any small schools without the consent of the parents. In some cases, parents decide that a school is so small they need their children to go to a larger school with better facilities but the Government has a long-standing position of not closing small schools. Whoever sent the text message needs to be clear about that. It was not a Government direction.