Page 86 of the programme for Government refers to education as the key to giving every child an equal opportunity in life. Despite the commitment in the budget to reduce teacher-pupil ratios and provide new teachers, schools are experiencing significant difficulties sourcing substitute cover, with substitute teachers not available within 80 km of many schools. It has been suggested the reason for this crisis is teachers' inability to source affordable rental accommodation and that they are leaving to find work abroad to earn deposits to purchase property. What steps does the Department of Education and Skills intend to take to address what appears to be an upcoming crisis?

The Deputy's question would be best addressed to the Minister for Education and Skills. I will, however, share one thought with him. The number of teachers being hired is increasing every year. We hired 2,000 extra teachers this year and 2,000 last year. We are not having a significant difficulty hiring teachers. However, it may be that because we are hiring teachers and so many of them are securing permanent jobs, fewer teachers are available to do substitution.