Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Appointment.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

411 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to applications by a school (details supplied) in County Louth for the appointment of a walking principal and assistant teacher to the school, which is classified as a disadvantaged area school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14978/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The managerial authorities of the school to which the Deputy refers wrote to my Department requesting that the principal teacher at the school be released from her teaching duties to allow her to perform administrative duties and to allow the appointments of a temporary teacher in her place.

Unfortunately, it has not been possible to accede to this request. For a principal teacher of a primary school to become an administrative principal, a school must have eight assistant teachers. Since the school in question does not have eight assistants, the principal teacher cannot be allowed to relinquish teaching duties to concentrate solely on administrative matters.

The managerial authorities of the school have been duly informed in this matter.