I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 253 together.
When the moratorium on the filling of posts of responsibility was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal posts in all primary and post-primary schools and these posts continue to be replaced in the normal manner. The impact of the moratorium is therefore limited to the Director of Adult Education, Assistant Principal and Special Duties posts of responsibility. Vacancies at this level arise due to retirements in the specific grades and typically also from the knock on effect of filling Principal and Deputy Principal posts. In accordance with the terms of my Departments Circular 07/2003 - Appointments to Posts of Responsibility, the second teacher in a two teacher school may be paid a special duties allowance, subject to the conditions set out in that circular. In the event that a post of responsibility is approved the school should complete the POR1amend form in respect of the person appointed to the post. The circular and form to which I have referred are available on the Department's website.