Ceist:
418 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he has taken to facilitate the important work of school principals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25425/99]
Written Answers. - School Principals.
The Deputy may be aware that I established a working group to examine the rights, roles duties and responsibilities of principals in primary schools. The working group, which included representatives from the education partners, has recently completed its report and it was presented to me recently. I am currently considering the most appropriate response to this report.
Under the terms of the PCW agreement for teachers additional assistant principal and special duties teacher posts were created to expand the middle management structure in schools and allow managerial authorities delegate certain functions from principals to post holders.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently announced a substantial improvement in the level of funding for caretaking and clerical assistance in schools. I will continue to look at the possibility of implementing further expansions to the scheme.