Dáil Éireann - Volume 523 - 11 October, 2000

Written Answers. - Inservice Training.

107. Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the training courses which are available for school principals in the area of business administration and management; his views on whether many secondary school principals, newly appointed, are inadequately prepared for the level of administration, management and accountancy that the role requires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21429/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): A substantial programme of in-service support is currently being provided for school principals. This programme is being delivered through education centres, management and staff bodies and principals associations. In addition to specific programmes for principals, there are elements within programmes such as the primary curriculum support programme which provided training for principals.

I am committed to doing more in this area and my Department is currently finalising a new comprehensive programme of inservice training for primary and post primary principals. It is envisaged that this new programme will commence early in 2001.