Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, at the end of 2020. It may be that there are things that can be done within the existing framework. Obviously, I respect collective bargaining. It has got teachers to a position now where the starting salary for a teacher in 2020 will be almost €38,000. The salary of 2011 entrants will be upwards of €53,000 this year. However, I am conscious of the fact that they took a reduction. To acknowledge the higher diploma and primary teaching qualification will cost €43 million. These are the figures we are looking at and must work with within the existing mechanisms.

Deputy Martin referred to the job-sharing scheme yesterday. Education and training boards worked with that scheme in the 1970s and some secondary schools have engaged in job-sharing on an ad hocbasis more recently. It will not address the big issue of teacher supply, however.