Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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588. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures in budget 2022 with regards release days for school leaders. [51062/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am keenly aware of the huge contribution made by all Principals in our schools, including teaching principals.

The  COVID-19 supports provided under The Roadmap for the Full Return to School in 2020, included specific funding to support Principals who undertake teaching duties in primary schools.  This funding provided each teaching principal with a minimum of one release day per week.  Schools have been advised that, in the context of COVID-19, the additional allocation of Principal Release Days will remain in place for the 2021/22 school year and each school with a teaching principal will have 37 Principal Release Days. 

Budget 2022 has maintained these Principal Release Days going forward.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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589. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional guidance teacher supports contained in budget 2022. [51063/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As part of COVID-19 operational supports in the 2020/21 school year, an additional allocation in respect of Guidance Provision was provided to all schools to support student wellbeing. This additional allocation, totaling 120 posts, has also been allocated to schools for the 2021/22 school year.  These posts bring guidance provision in schools back to the level last seen before 2012. 

Budget 2022 has maintained these Guidance posts going forward.  The guidance allocation is provided separately and transparently on each school's staffing schedule.  These posts have been ring-fenced so they can only be used for guidance activities and to meet the guidance needs of the school.