30 October, 2014- Minister O’Sullivan congratulates NAPD Director on European appointment

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O Sullivan TD, today congratulated Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) on his election as President of the European School Heads Association (ESHA). The ESHA is a professional organisation for European School Heads, drawn from 29 countries.

The NAPD was established in 1998 to provide principals and their deputies, based in 730 post-primary schools, with a voice on school leadership and related matters. The organisation has strengthened school leaders’ role, placing them at the heart of ensuring the best possible outcomes for students.

Paying tribute to Mr. Byrne, Minister O’Sullivan said: “Clive Byrne is a key leader in post-primary education in Ireland. He has made an invaluable contribution to the work of the sector through his role as Director of the NAPD.”

“Post-primary education is currently undergoing very significant change, including increased demographics, greater investment and reform of the Junior Cycle. One area which must remain a priority for all is ensuring that we continue to have high quality teaching in our classrooms. Quality school leadership is a prerequisite for good teaching and learning.

“Clive Byrne’s leadership has been pivotal to the progress made by our school leaders in navigating recent changes and challenges.”

The Minister concluded by saying that she was “delighted with the well-deserved recognition Clive has received in his election to this prestigious international position. I wish him every success for the future.”

ENDS.