Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the best advice for parents on a matter, details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3519/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Section 23 of the Education Act 1998 clearly defines the role of the principal in providing guidance, direction and leadership to teachers. This requirement embraces the pedagogical and classroom management role of a teacher. Instructional leadership is a core responsibility of all principals and the Education Act also expects a principal to promote the professional development of his or her teachers.

In circumstances where a parent has concerns about a teacher, the parent should raise the matter directly with the school authorities in the first instance. Currently, most schools use complaints procedures that have been arrived at through national agreements negotiated between management authorities and teacher unions. Under the CPSMA-INTO and the ASTI-JMB procedures that are in common usage in primary schools and voluntary secondary schools respectively, the board of management may invite the complainant to address a meeting of the board. In general, similar procedures are followed by post-primary schools in the VEC and community and comprehensive sectors. If, following the completion of the complaints procedure and the issuing of a finding by the board of management of the school, the complainant remains dissatisfied, he or she may appeal the matter to my Department.