The party's education spokesman MLA Mervyn Storey yesterday said the debate on education was too important to become trapped in a "squalid Orange versus Green argument".

He proposed a three-year cooling down period which "would afford an opportunity to build consensus and find final resolution on the long-term method for transfer".

In this timeframe, the DUP suggested a Council for the Curriculum Examin-ations and Assessment (CCEA) test be developed, to agreed specifications, to assist post-primary transfer.

Schools would apply to use the CCEA test to match pupils to secondary or grammar education and the test would be carried out in the children's primary school.

This would allow all parents and schools wishing to follow through selection, to avail of the process.

In the meantime, Mr Storey said some form of certainty would be brought to the situation while discussion goes on.

He added: "We also propose the establishment of an agreed panel of experts with experience of selection procedures nationally and internationally that could advise the department and Assembly on the development of the optimal arrangements for Northern Ireland."

Mr Storey said that the DUP was open to "locally acceptable solutions", like the Dickson Plan in Craigavon.

He said: "We also support the concept of genuine academic specialist schools. The minister has supported specialist schools in areas such as music, sport and performing arts, yet she has continued to exclude the specialism of academic excellence."

The last 11-plus is due to take place in a few weeks' time.

But while academic selection remains protected in law, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane insists there will be no replacement selection process in 2009.