Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister's commitment in this regard, which follows commitments he made in respect of other provisions. It is a welcome development.

This issue has arisen during a number of debates and we must ensure that as many substitute teaching positions as possible are given to unemployed qualified, registered teachers rather than to retired personnel. We are all well aware of the widespread concern about the lack of opportunities for newly qualified graduates and the need for those young people to get the relevant experience as well. The employment of retired teachers as substitutes must be minimised as far as is practicable.

I mentioned on Committee Stage that on occasion, be it for geographical reasons or in respect of the teaching of a particular subject, it is not always possible for a principal to employ other than a retired teacher and we accept those circumstances. It is essential, however, that the message goes out that unemployed qualified graduates will get every available opportunity that arises.

I welcome the Minister delivering on the commitment he made at the teachers' conferences at Easter. Deputy Crowe no doubt has been spoken to on this issue, as I have and the Minister has, on this issue. The INTO was lobbying hard to have this wording achieved and I welcome that. If that section must be underpinned by a regulation or Department circular, it is essential the relevant circular or communication to the boards of management principals is absolutely clear on the obligations in appointing substitute teachers. There can be no uncertainty or doubts in any communications that are issued; this should be the Bible for principals taking on substitute teachers.

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