Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the teachers promised in the revised programme for Government will be hired; the breakdown between primary and post-primary posts; the way schools will be allocated these 500 teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47292/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Renewed Programme for Government commits the Government to providing 500 teaching posts between primary and post primary levels over the next three years commencing with 200 posts in the current school year and 150 posts in each of the next two school years. Following the publication of the renewed Programme for Government my Department sought written submissions from the education partners at primary and post-primary level seeking their views on the division of the posts between the two sectors and the criteria to use to allocate the posts. The consultation process also involved a meeting with all the education partners on 19 November 2009.

My Department will be advising the education partners in the coming days of the division of posts between the two sectors and will then consult with each sector on the criteria to use to allocate the posts. All the education partners were anxious to ensure that the allocation criteria are clear and transparent and, where possible, the posts should be allocated in a manner that minimises the administrative burden for schools and the Department.