Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue I have raised previously in the House - the chronic and severe shortage of substitute teachers in the State's schools, which issue has been to the forefront in the media in recent days. The situation has become so bad that it is anticipated that some schools may actually have to close because they have no other choice as they have no substitute teachers to stand in. The Irish National Teachers Organisation estimates that, on average, 800 to 1,000 substitute school teachers are needed on a day-to-day basis, but currently there are only 30 stand-by teachers available for 3,300 schools. That is a chronic figure and illustrates how bad the system is. It is at breaking point and principals may have no choice but to close schools. Recruitment fairs are very much in vogue in third level colleges. Very attractive packages are offered to young teachers coming out of college. In places such as Abu Dhabi and in the Middle East generally tax free packages are offered, plus perks, to individuals willing to go there on 12-month or two-year contracts. That is what the State is competing with. People are voting with their feet and taking up these contracts. When a school cannot find a substitute teacher, a number of things happen. A class is divided creating a larger one. This means that the most vulnerable children and those with special needs are the ones to suffer and lose out. I ask the Leader to bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills and ask him to ensure action is taken immediately to ensure the crisis will not move beyond this point.