Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills one year into the literacy and numeracy strategy the number of primary and post primary principals that have attended seminars conducted by the Professional Development Services for Teachers on the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25778/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Since continuing professional development (CPD) commenced for the Literacy and Numeracy strategy, school leaders have had access to two separate strands of professional development support within the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). The Leadership and Planning Strand of the PDST continues with its remit, and its normal programme of training including Forbairt, Misneach, Spreagadh and Tánaiste has continued. These programmes have been adjusted, as appropriate, in the context of the literacy and numeracy strategy. A total of 1,135 principals are engaged on these programmes, 787 at primary level and 348 at post primary level. In addition, as part of a comprehensive plan for CPD in response to the Literacy and Numeracy strategy, full day seminars have taken place with a view to outlining the background and key messages of the National Strategy, exploring the role of the Principal in leading change, exploring the potential of school self-evaluation in improving literacy and numeracy and identifying starting points for setting targets and actions. These seminars were offered to all school principals as well as a second teacher in the case of larger schools. Other shorter workshops, for example in relation to school self-evaluation, have taken place at regional level. To date attendance at these events has been 3,146 from primary level and 1,728 from post primary level. Further supports will be available from the PDST over time.