Vol. 526 No. 6
392 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the application for an administrative principal from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 in view of the documentation supplied; if he will ensure that this school is assisted in every way possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27391/00]
With effect from the 2000-01 school year, administrative principals may be appointed to all schools with seven mainstream class teachers. In addition, principals in ordinary schools with a principal and 11 or more teachers, including ex quota posts, may be appointed as administrative principals.
While I appreciate the difficulties set out in the documentation supplied, unfortunately the school in question does not fall within either of these categories, and, therefore, it is not open to me to authorise an administrative principalship at present.
Teaching principals are now released from teaching duties for a specific number of days per year to enable them undertake administrative, leadership and management functions. My Department will pay substitution costs for the days in question. I have recently approved a 100% increase in the number of days for which teaching principals can be released from teacher duties. Accordingly with effect from 1 January next the principal in the above school in question may be released from teaching duties for 16 days in a school year to attend to non teaching duties.
