Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Charlie McConalogue has strongly condemned the Government’s attack on small schools and has called on Government TDs in the North West to stand up against the closure of their local school.

Under the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn's plans, rural schools, Church of Ireland schools and Gaeltacht schools will be particularly badly hit by severe cuts from September.

Deputy McConalogue will address the Dáil tonight about the impact of these cuts on schools in Co Donegal. The Donegal North East TD will speak on a Fianna Fáil Private Members Motion which will force Government Deputies to vote on the cuts resulting in a loss of 250 teaching posts and an increase in class sizes.

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"Small schools are at the heart of communities in Co Donegal and across the country. Removing the local school from a community would have disastrous social and economic consequences for that area. The cuts to the staffing schedules in 1, 2, 3 and 4 teacher schools in the Budget are disproportionate, and will force schools into a situation where they will end up merging or closing. This will be particularly harsh on schools in Co Donegal as we have a higher number of Church of Ireland schools and Gaeltacht schools.

"This is a blunt instrument from the Government and as almost half (47%) of the 3,200 primary schools in the State have 5 teachers or less, the impact on the communities around the country will be significant. The fact that these cuts have been announced without debate, consultation or agreement is causing anxiety for communities who fear for the future of small schools in their area."

(CD/GK)