The Department of Education has confirmed the qualifications of the man at the centre of the school principal row in Carrickmacross, Co Monagahan, the Joint Managerial Body said.
About 100 students at Patrician High School walked out of classrooms yesterday in protest at the appointment of Mr Michael Dineen as their new principal.
This followed some confusion last week as to whether Mr Dineen was suitably qualified, with the result that another teacher at the school was informed he had been promoted.
Under Department of Education guidelines, candidates must have a minimum of five years' teaching experience to become a principal.
However, Mr George O'Callaghan of the body which represents the majority of school managers told The Irish Times last night: "We are satisfied and certain that Mr Dineen has the necessary years of service for this appointment. This has been confirmed to us and the board of management (of the school) by the Department of Education."
Mr O'Callaghan said his organisation was also certain that no other teacher was formally offered the position of principal.
At the school yesterday pupils heckled Mr Dineen as he attempted to drive his car through at the start of his first day as principal.
The students intend to resume their protest today. Mr Dineen declined to comment on the controversy surrounding his appointment.
It was revealed last week that teachers at the school had taken the highly unusual step of protesting at the appointment of Mr Dineen to the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland.
A spokesman for the ASTI told The Irish Times its position was that all regulations and procedures for appointment of a principal must be followed.