I want to raise an issue that was brought to my attention in an email I got this morning from a school principal. The email states:

I'd like to draw your attention to the shortage of teachers crisis that the school has been experiencing over the past number of weeks. Neither my school or the joint school have been able to get a sub teacher for over three weeks. This has led to excessive disruption within the school. I currently have teachers out on sick leave. One of these sick leaves is being covered until mid-term but the teacher will no longer be available after that. I advertised a long-term subbing contract for 19 weeks to include allocated hours the school is owed and sick leave. However, I received no applications, even after extending the closing date. I currently have no cover for the other sick leave.

The principal goes on to say: "I contacted the helpline that Minister Foley stated should be made aware of these issues but the person on the line said that she does not deal with these types of issues."

Thank you, Deputy.

A serious crisis is building up, as noted by the Irish Primary Principals Network. We could have a case where children are sent home from class because schools cannot provide teachers.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As she knows, the budget provides additional funding for more teachers, special needs assistants and special education teachers, as well as a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio. That money has been allocated but it does not necessarily mean schools will be able to find people who are appropriately qualified. If the Deputy passes the details of this case on to me, I will make sure the Minister, Deputy Foley, gets them. I will ask that she perhaps contact the school directly to see whether there is anything we can do to help.