I am aware of the decision to which the Deputy refers and I understand it is currently being appealed. I am therefore precluded from commenting on the details of the case.
The filling of promotion posts in schools is primarily a matter for the management of each school in accordance with appointment procedures agreed between the respective management bodies, the teacher unions and my Department.
In regard to the appointment to assistant principal posts in community and comprehensive schools, the agreed procedures provide for the appointment of a selection board. The object of the selection board is to select the most suitable candidate for the post. The selection board is required to adopt the agreed criteria and marking scheme when determining the order of merit of applicants.
Once this case is concluded, my Department will study its findings with a view to establishing the implications, if any, for the wider system.