Dozens of small primary schools get lifeline

Dozens of small primary schools have been given a reprieve after the Government shelved controversial proposals that could have forced closures in rural areas

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s changes mean a partial reversal of cuts introduced since 2012 but will see only, at most, a handful of schools gain staff.

It comes more than two years after her department completed a value-for-money review of small schools, which will finally be published this week. However, Ms O’Sullivan said its recommendations were not accepted by the Government and it will instead form the basis of future discussions on small schools.