‘Rejecting deal won’t fill empty principal jobs’

THE problems faced by schools filling vacant principals’ jobs could be worsened if the Croke Park public service pay deal is rejected, it has been claimed.

The Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) said 15 schools have already had to advertise for a principal at least twice this year and it is aware of a handful of schools in Kerry, Clare and Galway which have placed ads for the third time.

The difficulties have been around for a few years but IPPN president Pat Goff says hundreds more principals may retire before the end of the year if the pay and public service reform deal is not passed by unions next week. The crucial outcome of ballots by SIPTU and IMPACT, both expected to be announced today, will decide how the wider public service union movement votes on rejection or acceptance next week.