A disembodied cabinet meeting was held to try to find ways to address the teacher shortage.
Education Minister Norma Foley is due to attend an OECD meeting in Paris tomorrow and had to brief colleagues today.
It was heard at the meeting that the Department of Education is considering suspending non-regulatory leave, such as career breaks, to try to fill the gaps in schools.
In addition, approximately 800 Hibernia College (PME) second-year postgraduate students who have completed their last school assignment may be invited to fill a replacement position this year.
Teacher supply panels can also be changed at the elementary level and teachers can be asked to substitute in other classes while a trainee teacher is in their class.
Plans to attract students from more diverse backgrounds to teaching as a profession will also be sought.
Tomorrow the Dáil will debate a motion by the Social Democrats calling for urgent government action to address the teacher shortage.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.