Families living on the boundary between Northern Ireland and the Republic are to be consulted regarding sending their children to schools across the border.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn and his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive John O'Dowd claimed co-operation among communities in these areas is the key to improving teaching services.

Speaking to RTE, Mr O'Dowd said: "We would like to see some practical measures on the ground by the new school year in September 2013."

Both education leaders have agreed to carry out surveys in schools and communities based near the border to establish whether families would be willing to send their children to primary and second level schools in the neighbouring jurisdiction.

It is thought such a move would help to safeguard against the closure of isolated and currently poorly-attended schools based near the boundary.

Mr O'Dowd has been a member of the Education Committee in Northern Ireland since 2008 and was last year appointed Minister of Education in the north's Executive.

Written by Donal Walsh

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