Mr. Seamus Mulconry:

The CPSMA is very grateful to the committee for highlighting the critical issue of the lack of substitute teachers in primary schools and for the opportunity to present to the committee. There are three points I wish to make. First, the committee's letter of invitation referred to the apparent shortage of qualified substitute teachers throughout the State. Both the work of the Teaching Council and our survey proved conclusively that the shortage is not apparent but is real. The report entitled Striking the Balance showed that over a five-year period, one third of substitutable days were not covered. Our own survey late last year showed that 90% of primary schools that took part in the survey reported difficulties sourcing subs and 83% found it more difficult to source a sub this year than last year. In short, the evidence is in, the argument is over and the debate is finished. We have a crisis in primary schools.

Second, the substitute crisis is having a major impact on the education system and, more importantly, the pupils in our schools, particularly the most vulnerable children. It limits opportunities for teachers to avail of vital training for programmes such as the FRIENDS for Life and Incredible Years in DEIS schools. These are programmes aimed at promoting resilience in pupils who need it most. Without substitute teachers, teaching principals cannot take their principal release days. These days are vital for principals to complete essential school management, administration and leadership tasks.

The third and most important point is that we need urgent action now to alleviate the issue and this will demand resources. At the very minimum, we need a targeted marketing plan to get registered retired teachers into schools and if necessary, financial inducements to encourage them back into the workforce. Like so much else, the substitute crisis is a reflection of the lack of investment in primary school education. We are now spending less per pupil than Donald Trump's America. It is time to invest in primary education.