Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 433: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide improved training options for principals, middle management and aspiring school leaders. [18365/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since 2003 the Leadership Development for Schools Programme (LDS) has expanded the range of supports and services that it offers to school leaders and over 8000 teachers from principals to middle managers have successfully completed LDS module programmes such as Misneach, Spreagagh, Forbairt, Tánáiste, Cumasú and Cothú. This investment has now led us to a point where there are structured professional development opportunities for all school leaders in our system from their point of appointment to day of retirement.

In June 2008 my Department will be launching "Toraíocht" a Programme for Aspiring Leaders. Such a programme is both timely and necessary in the provision of high quality leadership to meet future challenges. The Tóraíocht Programme is designed, delivered and assessed by one of our Programmes LDS (Leadership Development For Schools) and NUI Maynooth. It is an accredited course at post-graduate diploma. The course is open to any teacher, primary or post-primary with a minimum of four years teaching experience who aspires to be a future Principal at some stage of their career. The course will begin in September 2008.