IPPN - The Irish Primary Principals' Network

Lobbying Organisation IPPN - The Irish Primary Principals' Network

Date published 18 May, 2017

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Jan, 2017 to 30 Apr, 2017

Specific Details Meeting with DES re. Divestment of Patronage in primary schools - the Schools Reconfiguration project. They wanted to meet IPPN to describe the proposed model and approach to reconfiguration of schools that they believe might work better than waiting for amalgamations, more of a ‘live’ or voluntary transfer process. They wanted to hear directly from principals and hear their concerns about the proposed process and strategy

Intended results Clarification of policy and process so IPPN can support schools through it Develop an understanding with the DES of the concerns of principals about the strategy, proposed approach and its implementation in local communities

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Maria Doyle & Geraldine D'Arcy of the Irish Primary Principals' Network

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (2-5)

An initial meeting took place on the 19th January 2017 at the DES, Marlborough St, Dublin, attended by Alan Wall and Brian Power of the DES, and Maria Doyle and Geraldine D'Arcy of IPPN. The DES were then invited to attend a meeting of IPPN's National Council on 11th March and presented the approach to the 52 Council members present. The DES heard the views of principals about the strategy and the implementation of the proposed approach.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Alan Wall Assistant Secretary (Department of Education and Skills)