Mary Moran (Labour)

All Members agree that it is preferable to have qualified teachers teaching children, where possible, but there are exceptional cases. I am in agreement with the Minister on this point. I taught music which is very much a minority subject and sometimes it was difficult to find a substitute teacher to teach subjects such as music or physics. A person with a relevant degree who is not a qualified teacher could be employed in such circumstances. We have to make allowances for such cases, rather than see a school close, as has been cited.

I refer to the Minister's circular of last May on retired teachers. This is a proposal that needs to be considered. Retired teachers on pension are being re-employed. This is one aspect we need to examine with regard to qualified and non-qualified teachers.