Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2019
74. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to recognise large primary schools and extend the allocation of posts (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40602/19]
View answer€2.75m was allocated in Budget 2017 to restore middle management positions i.e. the equivalent of approximately 1,300 middle management posts (Assistant Principal I and Assistant Principal II) at both Primary and Post-Primary (2,600 in total).
This measure allowed for the commencement of restoration of middle management posts as part of an agreed distributed leadership model and meant lifting the longstanding moratorium on these posts. This recognises the key role school leadership has in promoting a school environment which is welcoming, inclusive and accountable.
In total almost 1700 leadership posts have been invested in our primary schools since 2017 which has led to 1 in 3 teachers now holding promoted positions. The Department has committed to revising the Posts of Responsibility table in the leadership and management circulars to take into account retirements during the school year. This ensures that the current level of Posts of Responsibilities are maintained in the school system.
The lifting of the moratorium is an initial phase in the restoration of middle management posts and any future changes to the number of posts allocated will be dependent on budgetary demands.
