4th July 2019
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation welcomes the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills. The INTO has long called for an increase in supports for teaching principals and the slowing down of new initiatives. The recommendations released today show a growing consensus supportive of this demand.
The committee’s recommendations echo the INTO’s calls for one release day per week for teaching principals, the establishment of substitute supply panels to cover these absences and the inclusion of all staff in determining the payment of principals.
Additionally, the INTO welcomes a review of the step-down facility for principal teachers that ensures that their time spent as a school leader is recognised therefore delivering a dignified pathway towards another role.
INTO were pleased to note the committee concurred with our call for the provision of an administrative employee within schools that are included in new building projects.
Central to INTO’s budget priorities is the restoration of school capitation to €200 per pupil, alleviating the need for extensive fundraising for basic expenses and we welcome the recommendation from the committee.