Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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74. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she has taken to address the challenges facing teaching principals in smaller schools who manage special classes. [35378/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am keenly aware of the huge contribution made by all Principals in our schools, including principals in schools with special classes.

The allocation of an Administrative Principal position to a school is based on the school’s enrolment. A reduced enrolment threshold applies to schools operating 2 Autism special classes so that an Administrative Principal is allocated on the basis of 112 pupils in ordinary schools, rather than the standard 175 pupil requirement. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 and 2 schools.

As part of the supports provided under The Roadmap for the Full Return to School, specific funding was provided to support Principals who undertake teaching duties in primary schools. This funding provides each teaching principal with a minimum of one release day per week. Schools have been advised that, in the context of COVID-19, the additional allocation of Principal Release Days outlined in Circular 45/2020, "COVID-19 Operational Supports for the Full Return to School" will remain in place for the 2021/22 school year and each school with a teaching principal will have 37 Principal Release Days.

Principals are supported by their management team and since 2017, the restoration of middle management posts has been ongoing. This recognises the key role school leadership has in promoting a school environment which is welcoming, inclusive and accountable.

In total 1700 additional leadership posts have been invested in our primary schools since 2017 which has led to 1 in 3 teachers now holding promoted positions. The Department has committed to annually revising the allocation of Posts of Responsibility to take into account retirements during the school year which ensures that the current level of Posts of Responsibility are maintained in the school system. The most recent update was published last month and is available on the Department's website (Circular 0025/2021).