Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I have acknowledged that some actions have been taken, albeit more in the primary area than the post-primary area. The Minister has acknowledged that despite these actions, which have helped to some extent, work remains to be done to address the teacher supply challenge and particularly to ensure the availability of sufficient substitute teachers. I imagine these actions have made some difference but, as the Minister said, they are clearly not fully addressing the problem that exists.

I note with a little concern mention of reviewing the supply panels. I am not sure there is any need to review them. The only thing wrong with the supply panels is that it is not possible to do the miracle of the loaves and fishes. There are just not enough to go around. They are a good idea. They are something sought for some time by the INTO. If there is a bean counter in the Department encouraging the Minister to think they are not great or not the best use of our money I encourage her to push back against it. It is a good idea provided there are enough teachers coming through to them. The problem, particularly in urban areas, is that younger teachers and newly qualified teachers cannot afford to live and work in Dublin. This is the fundamental problem. I urge her to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The fundamental issue is the cost of housing. This is why teachers choose to go abroad and teach outside of the major cities. The Minister has a responsibility in this regard.

More particularly, I would like a response from the Minister on the following matter. I have made a number of suggestions, including a particular suggestion regarding teachers coming from abroad. Will the Minister look at this and allow them to work, if not permanently then perhaps for a couple of years? It was the case until eight years ago that teachers could be offered a permanent contract after 1 October or 1 November, depending on whether they were at post-primary or primary level. It makes perfect sense. It is challenging to compete with areas such as the Middle East where teachers can be offered high wages. The least we should be able to do is to offer those teachers a permanent position and to be paid over the summer. Otherwise we are asking them to take their chances if they want to stay here after Christmas. I am not sure they will do this.

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