Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to principal days, and this refers to national schools that do not have a walking principal, could the representatives of NAPD comment on how they work? Each principal has a certain number of days each year which they are allowed to fill with substitute teachers. Undoubtedly, there is a knock-on effect in terms of continuity in the classroom. Perhaps they would comment on the impact of that and how it works. Also, there have been changes recently in respect of sick leave and substitution availability for staff out on leave. There were changes relating to uncertified sick leave and not being able to get substitution for the first day of certified sick leave. Perhaps the NAPD and IPPN representatives would respond on that point.

Finally, Ms Matthews mentioned that the UK is rolling back with regard to compulsory qualifications for principal teachers. Will she elaborate on what the UK had in place and why it is moving away from it?