Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1399: 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. [47957/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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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 9000 teachers from principals to middle managers have successfully completed LDS module programmes such as Misneach, Spreagagh, Forbairt, Tánaiste, 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 2008 LDS, in conjunction with NUI Maynooth, introduced Toraíocht, a formal training programme for aspiring school leaders. The Toraíocht Programme was designed in conjunction with the Department of Education at Maynooth and the wider educational partners and responds to the need for professional development that prepares school leaders of the future. 160 places were available on the programme and in total 240 applicants sought a place. This programme leads to an award of a Post-Graduate Diploma from NUI, Maynooth.

LDS continues to offer provision for all new principal teachers, all new deputy principals, a programme for established leaders, a programme for aspiring leaders and some tailored professional development for leaders in designated DEIS schools and leaders in Special Schools.