Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 1

Written Answers. - Primary School Principals.

Mary Harney

Question:

85 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the number of male and female principals working in post-primary schools and primary schools in the current school year; if she has any proposals to improve the status of women in this respect; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The following is a breakdown by gender of the number of principals in primary and post-primary schools:

	Primary	Post-primary
Male	1,839	543
Female	1,416	254

These figures indicate that there is an unequal distribution of the sexes at principal level. This is one of the areas which has been identified in the Green Paper on Education as a gender equity problem and a 6-point programme has been put forward to redress imbalances which exist. Appointments to the post of principal, of course, are generally made through competition, on the basis of the best qualified and most competent applicant. It is the policy of my Department that, where possible, both sexes should be represented on selection boards for teaching posts. I am particularly anxious that there be gender balance on school staff selection committees as well as on Boards of Management themselves.