Vol. 520 No. 5
74 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has had considerations made into establishing a supply panel of teachers to provide substitute teaching to cover teacher absences on a national basis. [16135/00]
The Deputy may be aware that a supply panel scheme to provide substitute teaching already operates in a number of areas.
I am aware that the INTO are seeking to have the existing scheme extended. There is a number of factors which have to be considered in planning to extend the scheme. They include the supply of teachers available for the scheme and the availability of host schools.
The issue of extending the scheme will be raised when discussions on the staffing of schools for the 2001-2002 school year are held with the managerial authorities of primary schools and the INTO.
