A total of 3,200 primary school principals will unite for the first time under a national body to be launched by Michael Woods, the Minister for Education and Science, at Dublin Castle this week. The Irish Primary Principals' Network has set itself the task of informing and influencing those who make policy decisions concerning primary education. Its aims are to foster a culture of professional support and development amongst its members.

The role of the principal continues to change and develop in response to societal, legislative and educational changes. All the indications are that the pace of such unprecedented change and development will continue and create a greater need for quality professional development. The president of the new umbrella group is Jim Hayes, principal of Scoil Oilibhear in Ballivolane, Cork. It was in Cork city where the first groups of principals joined together in the early 1990s for mutual support and professional growth. Following the formation of a number of regional networks and the organisation of five national conferences, principals became involved in the formation of a national network.