Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
439. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will grant administrative status to principals of schools with two or more special classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32014/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The criteria for the appointment of an administrative principal to a school is based on the number of pupils enrolled in the school.
There is a reduced enrolment requirement for those schools operating a specialist autism unit. In ordinary schools and DEIS Band 2 schools, the threshold for the appointment of an administrative principal is 113 pupils, compared with 176 and 143 pupils respectively in schools without special classes. DEIS Band 1 schools with a specialist autism unit are allocated an administrative principal upon achieving 81 pupils, rather than the 116 which applies to other DEIS Band 1 schools.
Budget 2019 has provided for an additional release day for teaching principals in primary schools and a further four additional release days for teaching principals in schools with special classes. These additional release days will be effective from 1st September 2019.
