Taskforce needed on teacher shortage ‘crisis’, Dáil told

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said school leaders are struggling to recruit qualified teachers.
Taskforce needed on teacher shortage ‘crisis’, Dáil told

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A taskforce is needed to discuss how to tackle the “crisis” of teacher shortages, the Dáil has heard.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said principals are struggling to recruit qualified teachers and unqualified teaching staff are being used to keep classrooms open.

New graduates cannot afford to live in cities with teacher vacancies and special education teachers are “plugging personnel gaps”, she added.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the “vast majority” of allocated teaching posts have been filled and there were 78,646 employed in Ireland as of March.

He said among teachers, there was an average of one per cent resignations and less than two per cent retirements annually, and the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools is the lowest it has ever been.

Enrolments at primary school level are projected to decline until 2036, he said.

The Taoiseach admitted there are areas where the population has increased, resulting in a rise in demand for teachers.

He said a new pay deal for teachers will see their starting salary increase to €46,000, rising to a maximum of €85,000.

He added he does see “merit” in holding a Citizens Assembly on education.

Headshot of Simon Harris
Taoiseach Simon Harris said the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools is the lowest it has ever been. Photo: PA Images

“We’ve had quite a lot of them, I’m not a big fan of many more is my truthful view of the world, but I do think there’s so many complexities and important issues in education that it would be good to bring together people to tease through those issues,” he said.

Mr Harris said there could be “some merit” in a taskforce on the “crisis” of teacher shortages.

“There is now a forward planning structure in place in the Department of Education, and when you talk about a taskforce. I think there could well be merit in that.

“But what I would say is, Minister (of State Hildegarde) Naughton has just established a taskforce for special education needs in Dublin 15. Perhaps that could be a model… that we could maybe build on in terms of the rest of the country.”

More in this section

Former Irish Examiner columnist abducted while travelling in Tanzania Former Irish Examiner columnist abducted while travelling in Tanzania
Fireworks launched at gardaí, Garda van set alight, in clash with protesters at Citywest Fireworks launched at gardaí, Garda van set alight, in clash with protesters at Citywest
Irish presidential election ‘I hardly know what day it is,’ says Humphreys over O’Farrell inquiry vote query

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more