I raise the issue of substitution in schools at the moment. I want to raise it in a constructive way, not with the antics that we had again yesterday from across the floor. There is undoubtedly a shortage of substitute teachers. I rang a few principals this morning before I came in. One of them was short 22 staff last Friday between SNAs and teachers, so there are very grave difficulties. I acknowledge some of the measures the Minister has taken in terms of people coming back from career breaks and job sharing to substitute but I believe further measures need to be taken. I will give one suggestion that the Taoiseach might take back to the Minister, which is that where people are contracted, especially at second level, for 22 hours a week, scope would be given so they would be able to work, if they so choose, an extra two, three, four or five hours a week supervising those classes, if required.

I thank the Deputy for the question. I accept there is an issue around substitution and that there are very significant challenges. Various measures have been taken by the Minister to date to try to improve the situation in terms of additional teachers being added, and in terms of supply panels and existing new areas where significant challenges have been demonstrated in substitution, and the Minister has appointed 100 extra teachers. I take the Deputy’s point that people would work over and above the 22 hours. I will discuss with the Minister whether that is a further step, in addition to the steps that have already been taken.

The Teaching Council has about 111,000 teachers on the register at the moment, although that does not mean they are all available for substitution. Work is under way to communicate with the entire number of those who are registered. I will take the Deputy’s suggestion and others he has made, given his experience in the field of education, and I will pursue that with the Minister.