IPPN Irish Primary Principals' Network, the professional body for Irish primary school leaders

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) is an independent not-for-profit voluntary association established in 2000 as the professional body for leaders of Irish Primary Schools. IPPN represents the professional interests of the principals and deputy principals of 3,300 primary schools in the Republic of Ireland.

PRESS STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE IRISH PRIMARY PRINCIPALS' NETWORK

The Irish Primary Principals' Network( IPPN) is dismayed with the news that a further 10% cut is being made in the allocation of resources to schools with special needs pupils. This year alone
the Resource Teachers for Travellers, the Visiting Teachers for Travellers and the Co-ordinators supporting disadvantage in rural areas have been abolished. Pat Goff, President of the Organisation stated it is time for this government to refocus their resources to the most vulnerable in our schools and seek these savings elsewhere in the system..

ENDS

There has been much focus in recent days on the fact that almost half of all Primary Schools in the state have used an unqualified substitute teacher at some stage in the first half of the school year.  Figures released by the Department of Education and Skills also indicate that 1,200 retired teachers have been used by schools in the same period.However, strong evidence is emerging that Principals of Primary schools are finding it extremely difficult, if not impossible to find fully qualified substitute teachers at short notice, even during a time of high unemployment.