At least 951 teacher posts in primary and special schools across the country are vacant and schools expect this number to treble in coming months because of the teacher shortage.
That is according to a survey carried out by primary teacher union the INTO, in conjunction with the Catholic Primary School Managers Association and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network.
More than 1,300 schools participated in the survey, which was completed earlier this month. This represents 40% of all primary and special schools.
The schools also anticipate a further 1,816 vacancies by next January as a result of expected retirements, maternity and other kinds of long-term leave.
The INTO has said the findings “paint a deeply concerning picture of an enormous crisis in our primary and special schools”.
The vacant posts comprise 195 permanent jobs and 756 long-term temporary or substitute positions.
The survey found that the recruitment crisis is most acute in Dublin, and in counties Wicklow and Kildare, where more than half of schools reported unfilled teaching posts.
Calling for immediate action INTO General Secretary, and Donegal native, John Boyle said: “Unless immediate action is taken, particularly to address the housing and living cost pressures in Dublin and other urban centres, this crisis will only worsen”.
Read the full report on www.rte.ie
