Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 512: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to her commitment that there would be limited alleviation of the current moratorium on posts in secondary schools, when schools will be notified of the form this limited alleviation will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23208/10]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 513: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to her commitment that there would be limited alleviation of the current moratorium on posts in secondary schools, the form such alleviation will take; if the criteria for filling these posts will remain as before in voluntary secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23209/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 513 together.

When the moratorium was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal appointments in all primary and post-primary schools and these continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Assistant Principal and Special Duties allowances payable to teachers on promotion.

I am conscious that the impact of the moratorium on middle management posts has applied unevenly in schools depending on the level of retirements. Discussions are on-going with the Department of Finance in relation to some limited alleviation for schools that are acutely affected by the impact of the moratorium. Schools will be advised of the outcome of the discussions at the earliest possible stage so that they can plan ahead for the coming school year.

It is a matter for school authorities to re-organise and prioritise, as best as possible, the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing the moratorium.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 514: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the review of the general allocation model will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23217/10]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 515: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in a DEIS band 2 school, an increase in total numbers, the ratio of boys to girls, the ratio of boys to girls with special needs will be taken into account when reviewing the general allocation model; if she will identify the criteria that will apply; the frequency with which reviews take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23218/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the General Allocation Model (GAM) was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs.

When the GAM commenced, a commitment was given to carry out a review after three years of operation. This review commenced in 2008. The process involved engaging with the Education Partners which includes parent, management and union interests in the context of securing their views on the model's operation.

Any decision in relation to the operation of the model will be taken in the context of the outcome of the review, the resources available and the competing demands for resources generally in the education system.

The review is at an advanced stage and is currently being considered within my Department. It is expected that the review will be completed this year.