I suspect, however, that the Deputy is referring not to the conditions of service of substitute teachers or the arrangements under which substitutes are appointed. Currently, when a teacher is absent ill the principal must look for a qualified person as substitute. In many cases this gives rise to problems for principals in locating a qualified teacher quickly. Accordingly, it has been proposed by the INTO that there should be panels of regularly employed substitute teachers who would be available for assignment immediately as required.
This proposal is being actively examined by my Department in negotiation with the INTO. It has to be said, however, that it has potential cost increasing implications. In a situation where additional money is being sought for a wide range of purposes in the educational system it is obvious that the matter of priorities must be taken into account.
There are practical difficulties relating to how such panels of teachers would operate. There is also the problem that much illness tends to happen in the winter months and to be less at other times in the year. A system of supply panels might be too inflexible to meet this problem. I understand that in Northern Ireland, where a supply panel system has operated for some years, the authorities are considering discontinuing it, in view of difficulties in administering the system, and replacing it with grants to schools.
As I have said, my Department is actively examining the matter and is in negotiation with the INTO about it.