Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection

Leadership in Schools: Discussion

1:25 pm

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the groups before the committee today. Much of the information came previously and we have read through it.

It was interesting to hear the contributions from Mr. Cottrell and Mr. Byrne. When there are such persons come before a committee and tell us that we are reaching a crisis point, then we, in particular, the Department, have to sit up and take notice. Listening to the Department's presentation here today, even it is starting to come around to the idea that there are issues which need to be addressed.

I met Mr. Cottrell last week in Cork. We were having a brief discussion on other education issues. The IPPN presentation states that principalship is a high-wear-and-tear position. I note there is research being undertaken by Dr. Philip Reilly, in Monash University in Melbourne, on the impact borne by principals and deputy principals at present. It will be interesting to see that. If anyone looks at the change in the role of the principal over the past ten or 15 years, and the amount of additional legislation which has been passed and the amount of additional workload which has been put on principals, nobody could argue but that the job is more stressful and difficult.

It will impact on individuals on a personal level as well as on their ability to carry out the role. If we overburden those who provide leadership in schools, that will trickle down to the rest of the school and impact on the quality of education provided. We cannot blame the principal if he or she is completely overburdened.

Where does the Department stand in regard to what we heard today from the NAPD and the IPPN? I presume departmental officials have had an opportunity to study their detailed submissions, which include several constructive recommendations. If we do not address some of the concerns raised, our children will ultimately pay the cost. The issue of continuous professional development was raised in both presentations. What is the Department's view on this issue? Mr. Byrne suggested that a budget be allocated for professional development. Has he raised this previously with the Department?

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