I am currently examining correspondence which I recently received from the board of management of the school to which the Deputy refers regarding the withdrawal of the supply panel scheme from its school. I will respond directly to the board of management when the review has been completed.
In the current school year, the supply panel scheme was extended by the provision of a further 30 teachers. The scheme now operates in 17 locations throughout the country serving a large number of schools.
In the context of the development of the scheme, it was necessary to redress difficulties which had presented during the pilot phase. Accordingly, a reduction in the number of supply teachers in some locations was deemed appropriate to ensure a more efficient management of the scheme. A consequence of this action was a reduction in the number of schools in these areas benefiting from the scheme. I should stress that the reduction in supply teachers in some locations was accompanied by an increase in the number of teachers in other locations.
The school to which the Deputy refers was one of the schools excluded following the changes to the pilot scheme. I should emphasise, however, that the school in question is still entitled to engage substitute teachers when necessary from outside of the panel scheme.