The Deputy will be aware that my Department has now completed its review of the general allocation system of resource teaching support. The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004, which has been reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system.
My Department has devised school clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the general allocation system. Those have recently been notified to schools, where appropriate, along with the details of each school's individual allocation. The general allocation for the school referred to by the Deputy is 0.7 of a post. In addition, it has received a transitional allocation of 0.2 of a post to cater for the needs of individual pupils with high-incidence disabilities. My Department is also finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. It is intended that the circular be issued before the end of the current school year.