Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank the Minister for her reply. The preamble was perhaps unnecessary, particularly in view of the time constraints. I put it to the Minister that the tone of her reply is in complete contrast to that of the eulogistic address she delivered at the IPPN conference in Killarney, which I attended, when she stated that principals are the leaders of the schools. The Minister is now saying the leaders of the schools have no role to play in the definition, design and structures that would deal with the problem. It may be a problem for the minority but it is very big for parents whose child happens to be in a class or for the principal of a small school where for personal, family or external reasons, a teacher is not performing.

Is the Minister stating the INTO rules the roost on these matters and when it comes to the formal involvement in negotiations or discussions, the IPPN has no place whatever?

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