Cork TD: 'Young teachers leaving Ireland as they cannot afford to live here'

THE housing crisis is forcing “huge numbers” of young teachers to leave the country, a Cork TD has claimed.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South-Central, cited a recent poll published by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) which found that 51% of those hired in the past decade said they would consider leaving Ireland to teach in another country.

The online survey of 736 TUI members was carried out last month.

Responding to a list of options, teachers polled cited disillusionment with their teaching job in Ireland, the opportunity to save money, and issues related to housing as being the top three factors for their considering emigration.

Mr Ó Laoghaire said the results of the poll showed that the effects of the housing crisis were driving teachers out of the country.

“This survey confirms what has been clear for some time now, young teachers are leaving Ireland in huge numbers as they cannot afford to live here,” he said.

“This is an issue that teachers, principals and unions have raised with me as a matter of serious and growing concern.

“The housing crisis is so severe that many teachers are unable to afford to rent or buy a property near their place of work. They are forced to fork out huge sums for rent each month, or undergo exhausting commutes every day.” Mr Ó Laoghaire said many young teachers, having completed their training here, were passionate about teaching in Ireland and wanted to build a life in their community.

“However, they feel they have no choice but to move abroad as they see no future for themselves here.

“Government must act urgently to get to grips with the housing crisis. I am urging them to see this is a wake-up call and take action now,” he added.

Mr Ó Laoghaire said housing would be Sinn Féin's number one priority in government.