Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I highlight the positive benefits we have seen so far in the clusters that have been developed. First, they help to reduce the sense of isolation among school staff, particularly in rural areas and where there is a small number of staff. The Department has combined teacher allocation hours with part-time hours, where feasible, to create full-time posts and make it easier for those schools to recruit teachers. Another benefit is providing consistency in teaching and learning. Oide, the support service for teachers, has provided training on a cluster basis, rather than individually, using the clusters to help staff to deepen their relationships. The administrative supports the Deputy mentioned have been trialled in an effort to ease the administrative burden on teaching principals. Two administrative roles with a different focus are being trialed in two separate clusters, in Gort and Donegal, for the next 18 months. It is about sharing knowledge and best practice and encouraging joint pupil-teacher participation, including in sport and music. Above all, it is about recognising the important role our rural schools play and making sure we do everything possible to support and retain them.

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