Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

That has changed totally as the Deputy knows - it is a new regime.

The percentage of teachers retiring, therefore, is very small and we hope that given the circumstances that prevail schools will be able to juxtapose various posts to ensure all the important elements will be reorganised and people are transferred, as appropriate. I do not envisage looking for a derogation in this particular school year. However, if particular problems arise in a school where there are a major number of retirements that gives rise to serious concern, obviously I would be prepared to look at such a situation.

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