Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know a newly qualified supply teacher who has a one-year contract. That teacher covers nine schools in rural Ireland. She is doing exactly the theory needed for Droichead but it is not being accepted. Teachers are human beings too who also suffer from mental health issues. They need clarity. The development and learning of our children is the most important thing. The situation at present is that scores of schools in my area just cannot get qualified teachers.

Teachers spend a lot of money getting qualified. During their training, they go into schools and do everything that is required of them. It was done during the Covid-19 pandemic. I do not see any reason they cannot carry on as before. We need to keep our children highly educated and we need to look after these people who have sacrificed a lot through going to college and studying very hard. I believe that teaching is a vocation. I ask for clarity. The Government should intervene in this matter. We have many newly qualified teachers who want to teach but they are being stopped from doing so. The Tánaiste is telling me that a supply teacher I know who is covering nine rural schools should not be included in Droichead. It is an absolute disgrace. I spoke to the Minister for Education last night regarding this. I plead with the Tánaiste and the Minister to intervene.

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