Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

108 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will facilitate the introduction of a procedure to enable primary school principals to step down after a period of ten years without loss of benefits or allowances, thereby providing increased promotional opportunities and enabling former principals to resume classroom teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15512/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Claims for improvements in the conditions of service of teachers are processed through the Teachers Conciliation Council in accordance with the terms of the revised conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers.

The issue raised by the Deputy in his question was considered by the council some years ago. While it was acknowledged that there are a num ber of potential benefits to the education system from an arrangement whereby principals could relinquish their post, my Department was not in a position to agree to the proposal that the persons concerned would retain the appropriate allowances because of the potential costs involved and the repercussive effects for the rest of the public sector.