Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is reported this week that children will be sent home from schools because of a severe shortage of substitute teachers. There are high emigration levels among newly qualified national school teachers, who are lured by secure jobs and tax-free salaries in the Middle East in countries such as Dubai. This week, there are only 30 standing teachers available nationwide each day to cover absences across the country's 3,300 schools. According to the INTO, it takes up to 800 such substitutes to cover the country. We have some of the brightest teachers qualifying in our colleges but the Government offers them no encouragement to stay. What will the Government do to help address this very serious matter?

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