Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a situation at the moment is south Louth and east Meath where up to 5,000 pupils and 260 teachers are without access to a teacher supply panel. The Department of Education sent out a directive to the effect that special education teachers should step in where no substitute teacher is available. That is totally unacceptable because it disadvantages further special educational needs children. Why should they lose their resources because of the Department's shortcomings? Principals in my constituency have said that children will have to stay home if this matter is not addressed as a matter of urgency.

I contacted the Minister for Education more than two weeks ago. I got nothing back and there has been silence. Given that the Government said it is a priority to keep schools open and given the urgency of this, will the Taoiseach give a commitment to ensure a teacher supply panel is set up immediately for the south Louth and east Meath area?

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