Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

As Deputy Quinn correctly stated, I spoke to the principals at the conference and rightly stated the principals are the leaders of the schools. The IPPN is a professional association of school leaders and a body I have much time for. It does a significant amount of networking around the country in supporting principals and working with them but it is not the recognised body for industrial relations.

Principals are recognised and are working through the INTO in this process. On a formal basis, which is the question the Deputy asked, there is no role for the IPPN. There is of course a role for the views of principals, which are being taken on board as they come from principals and professionals. The INTO acts on their behalf as the recognised trade union in all these talks.

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