Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a particular difficulty at primary level. Irish teachers are in high demand in other countries and they now have opportunities to work abroad, particularly in the Middle East where salaries are higher. A significant number of teachers are away in any given year. I do not believe it should be the responsibility of the voluntary management boards to make a decision in this area. There is need for a conversation between the Department and the unions on the maximum number, proportionate to the number of teachers in a school, that can be on a career break in any given year. Some schools have brought in their own quotas but I am not sure if that is the correct way to go. This exodus needs to be addressed because it has an unsettling effect on the children, whose interests are primary.

Another issue is Garda vetting, which can sometimes be complicated for teachers. It would be helpful if it could be simplified in some way.

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