Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Whitmore. There are now more teachers than ever working in the Irish education system. In March of this year, there were 78,646 teachers employed, with less than 1% of resignations and less than 2% of retirements annually. The teacher allocation ratio in primary schools is now at the lowest level it has ever been but I accept the broader point in respect of shortages and that they exist in our constituency.

Budget 2025 included a bursary for student teachers to increase the number of qualified teachers in post-primary schools. This bursary is a €2,000 payment each year for the final two years of their undergraduate initial teacher education and it is contingent on a commitment to complete a minimum of two years post-qualification teaching service in a recognised school. This is one of the latest measures we have taken to try to increase teacher supply.

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