Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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251. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total cost to his Department from substitutes and lost hours as a result of the Irish Primary Principals Network Conference, which takes place during the school term time (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department no longer provides separate substitute cover for principals and deputy principals to attend conferences such as those organised by the IPPN or other education partners.

This decision was taken in 2011 for budgetary reasons rather than any issue about the benefits of the conferences.

It is at the discretion of a school Board of Management to allow its existing Teaching Principal to attend at a professional development conference that is organised by teacher representative or a management body by using some of its substitute days that are provided for administrative duties.