Vol. 512 No. 6
403 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will lower the requirements for the appointment of further administrative principals in view of the increasing administrative duties to be undertaken by principal teachers in primary schools. [27091/99]
404 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint part-time teachers to primary schools which do not qualify to have an administrative principal thereby enabling the principal the time to carry out administrative duties; if he has discussed this concept with the INTO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27092/99]
408 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide support by way of substitute teachers to teaching principals in primary schools; the number of full-time teaching principals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27096/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 403, 404 and 408 together.
The issues raised by the Deputies regarding principals in primary schools were discussed when I met the INTO recently.
Officials of my Department held further discussions with the INTO to examine the issues involved and it is planned to have further discussions in the near future.
The information regarding the number of full-time teaching principals will be forwarded directly to Deputy Stanton.
There is of course already a range of supports in place to assist principals in carrying out their functions. The middle management structures in schools which have been developed in recent years enable the principal to delegate a number of functions to other teachers. In particular, many schools have access to secretarial and caretaking services, and I have recently announced substantial improvements in the level of assistance in these areas.
