Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
437. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if administrative status will be provided to primary school teaching principals with special classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43949/21]
View answer438. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education the estimated costs of providing administrative status to primary school teaching principals with special classes; the number of schools involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43951/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.
I am keenly aware of the huge contribution made by all Principals in our schools, including principals in schools with special classes.
The allocation of an Administrative Principal position to a school is based on the school’s enrolment. A reduced enrolment threshold applies to schools operating 2 Autism special classes so that an Administrative Principal is allocated on the basis of 112 pupils in ordinary schools, rather than the standard 175 pupil requirement. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 and 2 schools.
As part of the covid-19 supports provided under The Roadmap for the Full Return to School, specific funding was provided to support Principals who undertake teaching duties in primary schools. This funding provides each teaching principal with a minimum of one release day per week so that each school with a teaching principal has 37 Principal Release Days. Schools have been advised that, in the context of COVID-19, the additional allocation of Principal Release Days outlined in Circular 45/2020, "COVID-19 Operational Supports for the Full Return to School" will remain in place for the 2021/22 school year. The additional four release days allocated to schools with special classes, under Circular 19/2020, remains in place so that teaching principals of schools with a special class receive an allocation of 41 Principal Release Days.
Based on the most recent figures, it would cost in excess of €6.8 million to allocate an administrative principal to the 141 schools with special classes. The staffing process at primary level for the 2021/22 school year is ongoing and the final number will not be known until the Autumn when the staffing process has been completed.
