Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the commitment in the revised programme for Government to hire 500 new teachers will be the result of a reconfigured staffing schedule at both primary and secondary level; if so, when it will be introduced; the number of the 500 teachers who will be hired at primary level; the number of the 500 teachers who will be hired at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37073/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the Programme for Government commitment to provide 500 teaching posts over the next three years, my Department proposes to structure a consultation process through meetings with the education partners in the coming weeks in accordance with the commitment to consultation as set out in the renewed Programme. In advance of such discussions it has written to the education partners to seek any observations or suggestions they may have in relation to the implementation of the commitment. This will assist my Department in identifying issues for discussion and to set a detailed agenda for the discussions.

In that regard the views of the education partners have been sought on: The division of posts between the primary and post-primary sectors The best way to identify those schools that are "most seriously affected by the recent increase in the PTR" and the criteria that might be applied in such identification? The desirability of implementing the commitment in a manner through an allocation process that keeps the administrative burden at a minimum for both schools and the Department.

The education partners have been given until Thursday 29 October 2009 to forward their views to my Department. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the issues raised by the Deputy pending the outcome of the consultation process.