1344. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth following the release of the study results carried out by the DCU Centre for Collaborative Research Across Teacher Education that focused on the occupational wellbeing of over 900 primary and second-level school principals, the measures her Department will take to assist school principals who reportedly suffer from work burnout. [62681/26]

The well-being of our school staff including teachers and principals is vital to our education system. While the DCU Create research highlights important concerns, it is essential to place these findings in context and acknowledge the significant measures already in place to support principals’ well-being and manage workload.

Since 2018, schools have had a flexible leadership system that shares responsibilities and reduces pressure on principals. My Department has invested in leadership by adding 2,000 Assistant Principal II posts in Budgets 2024 and 2025 with the result that, for instance, one in three primary teachers hold a management role.

Recognising the vital role played by school leaders, my Department has commenced a review of school leadership and system governance to examine how best to support school leaders in responding to increasing organisational and operational demands. This work will inform a longer-term strategy for the school sector.

In addition, my Department is currently conducting an Action Research Project on Administrative Executives, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government to reduce the administrative burden on principals and boards of management. This project, which commenced in November 2025, is trialling the placement of a new administrative post in six schools, three primary and three post-primary, for a period of three years.

The aim of the project is to reduce the administrative workload of school principals, allowing them to focus more on teaching and learning. Dublin City University (DCU) has been commissioned to carry out an independent evaluation of the trial. This evaluation will assess the impact and feasibility of the role, including its effect on school leadership teams, and will help inform future decisions regarding the provision of additional administrative supports.

My Department also offers well-being supports including an Occupational Health Strategy that promotes health and wellbeing in the workplace, with a strong emphasis on prevention, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Service, and a Well-being in Education platform with resources for staff and school leaders.