Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I do not envy the Minister her position. From day one, she has faced difficulties in her job. On the whole, however, she and her team have done a very good job.

The Minister referred to bringing in people who have retired or are not part of the mainstream cohort of teachers to substitute and fill gaps where they arise. I welcome that. It is a tremendously important response. I understand that student teachers who are at a certain level in their training will also be given the opportunity to go into classrooms. That is a welcome and progressive move. It is important, however, that they should not be expected to work for free and that they be remunerated.