Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider providing an assistant principal 1 to all special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36886/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I recognise the key role of school leadership in improving educational outcomes by creating a positive school climate and environment as well as motivating and empowering educators and learners within their school communities.

The Sectoral Bargaining process under Building Momentum for the primary sector has been used to increase posts of responsibility (POR) in primary and special schools by 1,450 posts.

The last two budgets have provided for an additional 1,000 posts of responsibility at both primary level and post-primary level. 500 AP II posts were allocated to primary schools in the 2024/25 school year. For the 2025/26 school year, the equivalent of 500 AP II posts are being distributed as 110 AP I and 251 AP II for the purposes of fully restoring all PORs in primary schools.

All special schools also now benefit from the appointment of administrative deputy principals since the start of this school year. These posts are making a real difference in schools in terms of assisting with leadership and management functions and supporting learning, parental and community engagement.

A revised Post of Responsibility Schedule issued to schools recently to reflect the increase in posts of responsibility available to schools for the coming school year.

Any further additionality would have to be considered as part of the annual budgetary process.