Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
433. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will introduce a new national small schools project as outlined in the Programme for Government in Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51268/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government provides for a number of measures to support small schools, including introducing a new national small schools' project and trialling new administrative supports. The Government is very aware that small schools are an important part of the life of local communities.
The current small schools' action research project established in 2021 is due to conclude at the end of this school year. The project has brought small schools together in local clusters, enabling them to collaborate, identify common challenges and trial innovative solutions.
It includes six clusters of small schools, two in Galway and one each in Donegal, Kerry, Wicklow and Waterford, consisting of between three and five schools per cluster. The independent review identifies potential areas for closer collaboration and an analysis of the scalability of actions already undertaken. As the project progresses a further evaluation will take place.
Learnings from the evaluation of the current project will be invaluable and form a strong basis to inform the future policy direction in relation to all small schools, including how the Programme for Government Commitment can be delivered.
