Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree. I have always argued that there should be a wage scale. I would prefer to see that being taken on by the State but, in the absence of that, I hope the JLC process is successful.

I welcome what the Minister said about the short-term measures because I think they are doing something similar in the education system in terms of people who are doing their masters. Is there any data on how many people will be released? The Minister probably does not have that information right here and now so I ask him to supply that information.

I look forward to seeing the workforce planning report and it is welcome. We need to analyse the panel of substitute teachers for schools in the long term. Perhaps the city and county childcare committees could play a role in establishing a general relief panel for staffing issues when things arise.

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