Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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I thank all of the witnesses for their opening statements, which provided a great read for me in preparation for the meeting today. A point that I want to highlight at the outset is that I fully agree with the view that was expressed on the ongoing use of academic selection and this being of major detriment to social progression.

The submission from the INTO states that the movement of teachers pursuing employment should not be restricted, and I would certainly agree with that sentiment. An all-island approach is necessary and important. Does Mr. Boyle have any figures or indications of percentages with regard to teachers who have not been able to secure permanent or long-term contracts? In this jurisdiction, I often hear from teachers who cannot get secure contracts and this prevents them from putting down roots or getting a mortgage, and all sorts of other issues arise for them. Given we have a shortage of teachers, that does not make sense to me. I ask Mr. Boyle to expand on that issue. This also brings up the issue of special education teachers, who would face the same issues if they were to cross the Border to work.

I ask Mr. Boyle to expand on the limited opportunities for career progression. He described an inertia following Brexit for Northern Ireland teachers and the stark difference of a whopping 50% between the starting salaries of primary teachers, a disparity that I was not aware of and one that is truly eye-opening. How can we, as a committee, assist the INTO in its pursuit of a fair pay award? It is without question that we would support the INTO with regard to ensuring mirroring in terms of representation and improvements to employer rights for its members in Northern Ireland. Mr. Boyle mentioned teacher training places. What is the current number of teacher training places and what would be the ideal number?

Separately, in regard to workers’ rights at a wider scale, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the local issue in Clare where those who worked for Iceland in Shannon unbelievably were only given about 15 minutes of notice and received information by way of text message that they were effectively laid off. I feel this was disgusting and an outright wrong. As we know, many of those staff would have young families and huge rents or mortgages to pay. Is there any advice for my Shannon constituents who are affected by that issue?

The main takeaway for me from each of the submissions is that the longer we do not have a sitting Executive in place in the North, the more divergence will exist.