Ms Evelyn O'Connor:

There is a big programme of work under way in the Department. This is an issue the Minister takes very seriously. As to what can we do, the Department is looking at all sorts of measures. Whether it is around substitution or having route 5 student teachers in schools, a whole range of steps are being taken. The Deputy will appreciate that this is not my area of responsibility but if he would like a note on the matter, my colleagues have given us a couple of pages of bullet points with all the steps they are currently working on.