Debate contribution: Rural Schools

Debate contribution by Mr Colm Gildernew on 23 March 2026.

MLA: Mr Colm Gildernew
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 23 March 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Rural Schools
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5465460

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer and for placing value, as I do, on all schools and small rural schools in particular. Does the Minister recognise that there are some strategically important small schools, the closure of which would have social and community impacts beyond the impact on educational outcomes? Does he agree that, in those situations, we should look at measures that can support schools?

67 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3325/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification