Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 667: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details of arrangements for schools designed to alleviate the impact of the moratorium on posts for the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31178/10]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 669: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of assistant principals and special duty teachers who have retired from primary teaching since the embargo on filling middle management posts was introduced in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31180/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 669 together.

The arrangements that I have agreed with the Minister for Finance for a limited derogation from the general moratorium on the filling of promotion posts of responsibility in schools are set out in Circular 0042/2010 which is available on my Department's website. I am conscious that the impact of the moratorium on middle management posts has applied unevenly in schools depending on the level of retirements. For some schools, between this year and the coming school year, the level of retirements will create a significant number of vacancies. The changes that I am now making will allow those schools to fill a limited number of vacancies while the overall number of promotion posts continues to reduce.

The measures that I have announced will provide a measured and balanced response to the manner in which the moratorium has impacted unevenly in schools. 145 Assistant Principals and 227 teachers with Special Duties posts of responsibility retired at primary level since the introduction of the moratorium in March, 2009. The moratorium will continue to apply as the position whereby over 50% of all teachers have promotion allowances is simply not sustainable.