Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last week, I raised with the Taoiseach the 800 vacant posts across primary schools. Today, the TUI has sounded a warning in regard to the recruitment and retention of teachers in secondary schools across the State. The union's survey shows that 89% of schools experienced recruitment problems in the past six months, 61% of schools are having difficulty holding on to staff and students are being forced to drop subjects as a result. The cuts imposed during the austerity era are now compounded by the housing and cost of living crises, in particular the housing crisis.

Teachers cannot afford to rent or buy a home close to where they work. Many are responding to this reality by opting to work overseas, but we need them in our education system.

I asked the Taoiseach about primary school teachers last week. This week, I am asking about secondary school teachers. What will the Government do that is different and additional to address the housing needs of these teachers?

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