Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some other members, including me, want to ask some questions as well. I apologise to Senator Flynn.

I have a couple of questions for the Minister. I have no doubt that she and her officials have read the committee report on the impact of Covid-19 on primary and secondary schools, and the disparity between funding for primary and secondary schools. I raised the issue of vice principals in primary schools with the Minister on a previous occasion and I am aware it was also raised with the unions. I refer in particular to schools which have no permanent deputy principal. Secondary schools may have 300 or 400 students and a full-time deputy principal. A primary school could have 700, 800 or 900 pupils but no permanent deputy principal post. Has the Minister had any time to examine this? Perhaps in future negotiations with the INTO and coming up to budget time she might consider this.