The Department of Education received final representations today from interest groups concerned about the future of small primary schools.
It has begun a review of all schools with fewer than 50 pupils to examine whether they represent value for money. Today was the deadline for submissions.
There are concerns among parent groups and rural communities that the review will lead to the closure of local schools.
The Department of Education says this review is taking place in the context of pressure on funding and resources, and to see if money being spent on these schools is being spent wisely.
One fifth of all primary schools in Ireland - or just under 600 - cater for fewer than 50 pupils. They are all two- or one-teacher schools and most are in rural areas.
The McCarthy report recommended amalgamating all of these schools with others to save an estimated €18m. It also recommended the amalgamation of schools with 100 or fewer pupils.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation is unhappy with the existence of one-teacher schools, but it is urging moderation and caution.
Meanwhile, parents' groups say schools are the heartbeat of many rural communities and some have already pledged to fight any attempt to close them.
