An embargo is to be introduced on the recently imposed ban on Irish schools filling key middle-management positions once incumbent teachers have retired.

The Irish Independent reports that education minister Mary Coughlan is to allow a "partial alleviation" of the cost-cutting measure, which had sparked fierce resistance from unions.

Some schools had warned they would not be able to open in the autumn without the restoration of some of the 900 assistant principal positions lost as a result of the government's strategy.

And while Ms Coughlan is expected to say this week that it will not be possible to reinstate all of these posts, efforts will be made to ease the problem.

The minister is to address the Irish National Teachers' Organisation conference this week, but according to the Irish Times, she is considered persona non grata at the meeting of the second level ASTI union down the road.

Written by Donal Walsh

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