Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford is still obliged to work within the confines of learning support hours granted to them in 2005, based on their 2004 enrolment numbers; three yearly reviews which were due in 2007 and 2010 have still not taken place, yet in the intervening period the school has had a 46% increase in enrolment; the steps she will take to review and rectify this situation and if there are other schools that have not had their learning support hours increased in line with pupil numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44550/10]

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 GAM.

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.

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.