If the government goes ahead with plans to close small primary schools, this is likely to affect the education of many children in Ireland, it has been stated.

John McKenna wrote in the Irish Times that the government's review into the value for money of small educational facilities could lead to a false economy.

The Department of Education is looking at the 600 schools that have 50 pupils or less in rural communities to see whether they can be closed to save money amid budget cuts.

Mr McKenna suggested that by shutting these premises, the department will be affecting the education of children, which will then mean future generations will not be able to help the economy recover.

"If small primary schools are forced to close, amalgamate and cut resources, you can be assured of one thing: children's quality of education will suffer," he stated.

Mr McKenna went on to say the nation will not produce youngsters "who will be on top of the smart economy", which could worsen the current fiscal situation in the long run.

He concluded that education "secures the future" and that it should be invested in to help the nation prosper.

Written by Donal Walsh

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