NAPD Response to the Budget 2025

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) is once again disappointed by the lack of meaningful support for post-primary principals and school leaders in the recently announced budget. Once again, the vital role that principals and deputy principals play in shaping the future of our young people and schools has been overlooked.

In recent years, the demands on principals have grown significantly. Whether managing increased administrative burdens, implementing new curriculum initiatives, or ensuring the well-being of both staff and students in an evolving educational landscape, the pressures are immense. This is borne out by principals across the country, who are feeling unprecedented levels of burnout and despondence.

Unfortunately, this budget fails to recognise the urgent need for increased supports for school leadership. There is no provision for reducing administrative workloads, no new funding for professional development, and no specific measures to address the growing strain on school leaders who are struggling to manage under-resourced systems.

While we welcome the increased investment in the expansion of the school books scheme to senior cycle, initiatives cannot succeed without the strong leadership and well-being of school principals and deputy principals. Similarly, allocating €9 million to fund pouches for smartphones, a measure which was neither needed nor requested by school leaders, is not the optimum use of this funding. This money would have been put to better use to provide specialist administrative support to allow for the implementation of the school books initiative.

We urge the government to reconsider its approach and to engage with the NAPD to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the challenges faced by school leaders and ensures they are properly equipped to meet the needs of students, staff, and the broader school community.

The NAPD remains committed to advocating for the resources and supports that school leaders need to fulfil their roles effectively, and to lead within their school communities, focusing on the wholistic education and development of their students.

ENDS