Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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374. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being taken to create smaller classes that allow for more individual attention and meets the ambition of Government to establish the best education system in Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44829/21]

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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375. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to support primary school principals in the carrying out of their administrative duties; if she will support a full restoration of middle management posts at primary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44830/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.

The COVID-19 supports provided under The Roadmap for the Full Return to School in 2020, included specific funding to support Principals who undertake teaching duties in primary schools. This funding provided 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 will remain in place for the 2021/22 school year and each school with a teaching principal will have 37 Principal Release Days.

In total 1700 additional leadership posts have been invested in our primary schools since the lifting of the moratorium on posts of responsibility in 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 for the current school year is available on the Department's website (Circular 0025/2021). This recognises the key role school leadership has in promoting a school environment which is welcoming, inclusive and accountable.