SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has expressed concerns over issues with the new register for substitute teachers in the North.

The Education Authority has stated that the new Northern Ireland Supply Teacher Register (NISTR) is experiencing performance issues.

Mr McCrossan expressed concern that schools could struggle to recruit substitute teachers for the new term unless the issue is resolved quickly.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“On the eve of the new school term it’s deeply disappointing that we are already experiencing issues with the EA’s new NISTR system that will cause issues for both schools and substitute teachers alike. This new system only launched last week and until these issues are resolved we could see schools struggling to recruit substitute teachers and teachers unable to get registered on the system.

“This situation will also create significant anxiety for substitute teachers who will fear losing out on much needed work, particularly at a time of rising costs when more and more people are struggling to pay their bills. If these technical problems continue it would also raise questions around whether or not teachers will be paid at the end of the month.

“I have been very critical of the EA and their practices for some time, they have repeatedly failed schools, pupils and their families and this is not the start we were hoping for to the current term. I would urge the EA to get on top of these issues as quickly as possible to ensure that schools can avail of sub teachers as and when required and that teachers can get registered on the new system.”