Ms Anne McElduff:

I thank Deputy Daly for his comments. I do not accept that boards are rubber stamps for principal teachers. As Mr. Loftus has said, we have over 3,000 primary schools. A board is obliged to meet five times per year. The principal is obliged to give a report and does give a report to every board meeting on what is happening in the school from a child protection perspective and any other issues. In our experience, principals are open and transparent with their boards about the issues in schools. Obviously, boards will listen to people working in the area, including the principal teachers. However, each individual board member will make up his or her mind after that.

There are more than 3,000 schools, with eight people on every board. That amounts to 24,000 people, at a minimum, managing the school system, a considerable number of people. This is where we come back to training and support for these people. There may be cases where there are some issues, but I imagine, given the comments of the chief inspector and the general view, that the system is working well. Improvements can be made, but it is unfair to say that they are simply a rubber stamp for principals. There is a good dynamic between principals and boards. There should be and there is a mutual respect between both parties.

The Deputy referred to section 28. We have always indicated support for the implementation of section 28. Some years ago a committee in the Department instigated discussions on the implementation of section 28. If that is started again we will participate and support it fully. Section 28 provides that procedures may be proscribed for dealing with grievances and complaints in consultation with the partners. Certainly, we are open and willing to do that. The other issues raised are largely policy issues. Those were the main issues relating to boards. I would be happy to come back on any issues in particular.