Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Three-quarters of secondary schools report having teacher vacancies with zero applications. Teacher shortages are at a crisis point. Maths is being hit. Irish is being hit. Foreign languages are being hit. Woodwork, metal work and technical subjects are really being hit. Students are being forced to drop subjects. Students with special needs are disproportionately impacted as teachers are moved around to fill gaps.

Last night, teachers and parents held a public meeting in the Taoiseach’s own constituency of Dublin West to demand action. They want permanent jobs for teachers, pay that can cover the rent and affordable housing. As anger grows about this issue, what assurances can the Taoiseach give those people that he is going to take any action that makes any real difference on this issue?

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