Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 30 together.

I am aware of the concerns of some schools which will be adversely affected by the budget measures on the withdrawal of certain posts under older disadvantage schemes. I announced in the House on 11 January that my Department is to report to me within four weeks on the impact of the withdrawal of posts under these older schemes on DEIS bands 1 and 2 primary schools. I will then consider their position in the context of the staffing allocations due to issue to all schools. However, I had to make it clear that any changes in this area will require alternative compensatory savings measures within the primary schools budget. When I receive the report I will consider what the best options are in this regard.

This issue arises in the context of a very difficult situation where the education sector, which employs one third of all public sector employees, is required to find savings and contribute to controlling the increase in public sector numbers while also catering for our rapidly growing school population. It is important to note that a key aspect of the EU-IMF programme of support and Ireland's overall budgetary strategy is a requirement to reduce the public sector payroll and remain within the new climate of fixed ceilings on teacher numbers.

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