John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive additional learning support hours as a matter of priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37542/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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. In general, where a school meets the criteria for developing school status as outlined in the staffing schedule for the appointment of teachers for the current school year (Department Circular 0021/2010), an appropriate adjustment will automatically be made to the school's allocation under the General Allocation Model.

In relation to schools which may not meet the criteria for developing school status, 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. 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.

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.