Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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458. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will put in place more supports for teaching principals and in particular those who teach in schools with special classes as per a proposal to address administrative and staffing issues in schools operating two or more special classes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46356/21]

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 Covid-19 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 so that each school with a teaching principal has 37 Principal Release Days. 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. The additional four release days allocated to schools with special classes, under Circular 19/2020, remains in place so that teaching principals of schools with a special class receive an allocation of 41 Principal Release Days.

As part of Budget 2022, my Department will be advancing proposals to further support schools.