Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We still have a scenario where a teacher will need to do three years in order to get a permanent contract. You cannot expect people to move job or to move into the teaching profession if they know there will be instability in their life for three years. Permanent contracts are going to be essential. The €2,000 package for the PME is very welcome. However, in Dublin and other places, that is just a little over one month's rent for most people. We really have to take the course duration down to a year.

I also want to talk about secondments and where these are taking people professionally, or any number of other innovations that have been applied. I understand the Minister has made some progress on the reduction of class sizes, but that is starting from a poor base. It also comes down to the fact that regardless of the public service agreement, the teaching profession is like nursing, since we have created an environment in this city and country where the money you are getting paid simply does not cover your rent and bills. Unless we address that, we will be here year in, year out.

See this speech in context