I am aware that boards of management of primary schools in certain areas are having some difficulties in obtaining the services of qualified substitute teachers. Each board of management which employs an unqualified person must certify that every effort has been made to obtain the services of a qualified person. Such certification is required by my Department before payment in respect of the substitute is issued. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have initiated a number of measures to alleviate these difficulties as I believe that every effort must be made to have qualified teachers teaching in the classroom.
A pilot supply teacher project was established last September. Under this pilot project 30 temporary teachers are providing substitute cover for short term certified sick leave in three designated areas. The pilot project will operate for two school years. On completion its results will be carefully considered in my Department.
Last September the intake to the colleges of education was increased substantially. I have also approved the establishment of a special primary teacher training course for graduates. I propose that more than 100 graduates will be trained in this way to be available for the commencement of the school year 1996-97. These measures will significantly increase the number of qualified teachers. I should say however, that it will not always be possible to provide substitutes at short notice and particularly for absences of short duration.
