Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 35: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are being taken to address an issue whereby many secondary schools will reopen in September 2010 without year heads due to the ban on filling middle management positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23817/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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 ongoing 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.