Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the shortage of middle management positions across the school system. [42912/17]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the level of policy change and scheme roll out which is having a severe effect on time management across schools. [42913/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

Budget 2017 provided for a new package of support for school leadership, including middle management posts for primary and post primary schools. 

My department recently issued circular 0063/2017 Leadership and Management in Primary schools which sets out a framework for posts in recognised primary schools.

The commencement of restoration of middle management posts as part of an agreed distributed leadership model means that the rigidity of the longstanding moratorium on these posts has been lifted and all primary schools can now fill middle management posts in line with circular 0063/2017. This recognises the key role school leadership has in promoting a school environment which is welcoming, inclusive and accountable.

Discussions are ongoing with the post primary education partners with the view to agreement and publication of a circular as soon as possible.