Lynn Ruane (Independent)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I will not be able to stay for the second round as I have to go to an appointment. Obviously, it is extremely clear that equal pay and investment can turn this situation around. In terms of all of us continuing to advocate for this and support the groups that advocate for it, one of the things that stood out for me was teacher sharing. I do not know whether that would be across different schools in different regions, so could somebody tell me what it looks like in practice and what is needed to make it a reality? I think Mr. Curtin mentioned it.

The other issue was the supply panels. I know this seems really straightforward but, again, what does that look like and how can it bring about some change in the interim while the other bigger fights and the big picture are happening? I picked up on Mr. Mulconry's point about the impact on pupils. I know we need to support our teachers, but last year my daughter was in her leaving certificate year and was without Irish for three months in a DEIS school that would already struggle in terms of reaching certain points to be able to progress. My daughter was left with no substitute and the school did not split the pupils into different classes either, so the class was literally left idle during that hour and told to go off and study. This was significant for me in looking at how the teacher substitution situation is having an impact, especially in those crucial years such as junior or leaving certificate. Does anyone have any other comment? Have people looked at how it has had an impact on pupils? I do not know whether it would be too early for research into it but are people looking at the links between poorer outcomes for some schools or pupils based on this issue?