Vol. 509 No. 3
32 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, being taken to avert the threatened industrial action by members of the INTO in a number of counties over working conditions of teaching principals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20082/99]
I have expressed my concern and disappointment at the industrial action taken by members of the INTO earlier this week. I do not consider that this is the appropriate course of action to pursue these issues.
I am very much aware of the central role which principals play in our school system. I am also aware that the provision of effective supports to teaching principals is a complex issue.
It was because of the need to examine the full range of issues that I established, last year, a working group to examine the rights, roles, duties and responsibilities of principals, both administrative principals and teaching principals, in primary schools. The review group, which was chaired by Teri Garvey, was representative of the partners in education and current and former principals comprised a majority of its membership. I remain committed to ensuring that principals in all our primary schools are effectively supported in their roles and I will consider in great detail the report of the working group.
As the Deputy may be aware, teaching principals already have a range of supports to assist them in carrying out their functions in schools. Since taking office, I have enhanced considerably the supports available to principals. For example, the fundraising burden faced by principals has been dramatically reduced, secretarial and caretaking assistance has been expanded and new funding for training has been introduced.
