Jimmy Deenihan
Question:34 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he proposes to take to make positions of principal more attractive to potential applicants. [2855/02]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
The grade of principal is one of a number of education grades currently being examined by the public service benchmarking body. Benchmarking is basically about comparing public service pay and jobs with pay and jobs across the economy with a view to ensuring that public service pay rates compare favourably with comparable employment in the private sector. In reaching its recommendations, the benchmarking body is to have regard to the need to recruit, retain and motivate staff with the qualifications, skills and flexibility required to exercise their responsibilities. The benchmarking body has been asked to produce its report by 30 June 2002.
Issues in relation to the conditions of service of principals are appropriate for discussion at the Teachers' Conciliation Council. The Deputy will, however, be aware that significant increases in the allowances paid to principals were approved as part of the PCW agreement on the pay and conditions of teachers.
At primary level, the Government has made significant improvements in the conditions of service of principal teachers since taking office. Administrative principals were previously appointed to primary schools with eight or more mainstream class teachers. They are now appointed to all schools with six mainstream class teachers. I have also introduced an arrangement whereby in schools with principal plus ten or more teachers, including ex-quota posts, the principal may be appointed as an administrative principal.
The introduction of the release time scheme for principals of smaller primary schools by this Government marked a significant improvement in the conditions of service for the principals in those schools. The release time enables the teaching principal to be released for a specified number of days annually to undertake administrative, leadership and management functions in the school. Substitution cover, paid for by my Department, is provided for the days the principals are on release time.
Enhanced in-career supports for principals are also being put in place. In this regard, a team has been appointed to develop a school management/leadership programme for principals and deputy principals of primary and second-level schools. It is intended that the preparatory work on the programme will be completed by the end of the current school year, with the delivery of the programme to commence in the coming school year.