Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Thomas Byrne and his party for bringing this very important motion before the House. As my brother, Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, has stated we are very fortunate in Ireland that we have such a wealth of fine young intelligent men and women who want to be teachers but unfortunately so many difficulties and obstacles are put in their way. One thing that drives me mad about teaching is where we have a very bright, qualified person who is looking for a full time job. He or she applies for jobs, sends out CVs and goes for interviews but the jobs are gone, often before they are even advertised. Wherever that job is going is a done deal. It is awful because everyone deserves the same crack of the whip.

It is true that awful expenses are put in the way of people who want to be teachers. They must be really determined to get there and it is great when they eventually succeed but our young students who want to become teachers have such an uphill battle that it is easy to see why they would be put off. We do not want that to happen, we want them to continue and become our teachers of the future. They play such an important and integral part of our lives by teaching our children, who are the next generation.

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