Speaking this evening, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:

“We welcome the announcement as an acknowledgement by the Minister that the withdrawal of such cover would make the running of second level schools virtually impossible.

Effectively, the provision announced today may keep second level schools open in some circumstances.

However, we do not believe it goes far enough to alleviate the problems caused by the absence of teachers on legitimate school business.

Schools will still find it extremely difficult to organise the study visits and fieldwork that are essential components of some examination subjects and also underpin second assessment components.

Unless provision for paid substitute cover is increased further, this amendment will only act as a light plaster over a gaping flesh wound in our education system.”