Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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250. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the problems in filling substitute teacher positions in order to cover long-term absences in primary schools; and his plans to address this issue. [43206/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of reports that some schools are experiencing difficulties in finding substitute teachers.  In order to ease the situation, in the last school year the limits that teachers on career break can work as substitutes was suspended. Schools were also reminded that, in considering career break applications, the needs of pupils should take precedence and they must take account of the availability of appropriate qualified replacement teachers.

As the Deputy is aware, earlier this year the Teacher Supply Steering Group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department, was established. The Group is considering the issues that relate to teacher supply, including: initial teacher education policy, provision, funding and support; data/research requirements; policies and arrangements for schools and teachers that impact on teacher mobility/supply; and promotion of the teaching profession.

The Steering Group is supported by a number of working groups which are looking in more detail at the issues under these broad headings. The establishment of supply panels for substitute teachers at primary level is part of that consideration. A key concern will be to ensure value-for-money and optimum provision of teaching by teachers on any such panel.