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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Jun 1988

Vol. 382 No. 3

Written Answers. - Co-Educational School Management.

32.

asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to introduce balance in school management in co-educational schools between men and women for the posts of principal and vice-principal, particularly in new community and comprehensive schools which are directly under her Department's control.

The rules governing the appointment of staff to national schools were amended in 1984, requiring that (a) there be at least one man and one woman on every selection board; (b) selection boards have regard to the provisions of the Employment Equality Act (1977) and the Code of Practice of the Employment Equality Agency (1983); (c) no question be asked nor information sought in any form from a candidate, which might be construed as discriminatory on grounds of sex or marital status.

I am satisfied that, in so far as is possible, these regulations ensure that there is no discrimination in the appointment of national teachers.

Second level schools are not directly under the control of my Department. The management authorities of vocational, community and comprehensive schools are empowered to appoint principals and vice-principals on the recommendation of a Selection Committee/Board set up by them to interview qualified applicants sought by way of advertisement in the public press.

My sole function in these matters is to approve of the appointments made provided they are found to be in order in all respects.

Voluntary secondary schools operate under private management and the appointment of permanent teachers to posts of principal and vice-principal in these schools is a matter for the individual school managements and the question of ministerial approval does not arise.

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