Sir, - Many times during the year I go into the staffroom to ask teachers to volunteer their services to fill in for absent colleagues. Rarely have I been disappointed with the response. The situation can be grave at times with 'flu epidemics, in-school meetings, programme co-ordination and extra-curricular activities. Paid substitution is now a huge problem due to the unavailability of trained personnel. Fortunately regular staff do the needful without pay to make sure there is minimum disruption and a safe environment for students.
In a school context, goodwill is a priceless commodity. It is the lubricant that keeps everything running smoothly. I would encourage the Minister to pay back the money immediately and stop digging before irreparable damage is done to the whole system. - Yours, etc.,
Michael O'Boyle, Deputy Principal, St Columba's College, Stranorlar, Co Donegal.
