Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That was a very special dispensation on behalf of Senator Ó Clochartaigh as others wanted to get in too. We are very happy to accept any written submissions from the witnesses. We really appreciate the engagement and discussion today. It was very interesting and worthwhile. I too would be of the belief too that there was not an apparent but a very real lack of substitute teachers. At the same time, we must go through the process. We have learned a lot and gained insight into recommendations that will be very practical and useful when we conclude our stakeholder meetings. We will be able to make very clear recommendations to the Minister.

I remember as a young teacher the dread of the door opening at about ten past nine and between 12 and 15 children coming in with their schoolbags because their teacher was out. One could have a class of 36 students for the day. It should not be about a teacher being overwhelmed but about pupils getting the best teaching. Unfortunately everyone in the class is impacted when it becomes a matter of crowd control. I was in a big school and whatever about a class coming in from the same stream, it was more difficult when one was dealing with a totally different age group. I know that fear that strikes in the hearts of teachers and principals in that situation. Hopefully, as a committee we will be able to make recommendations on that.

I thank the witnesses. We will go into private session to discuss a couple of matters.