Underlining the teacher shortage crisis in Ireland, a recent survey has revealed that at least 951 teaching positions remain vacant in primary and special schools across the country.
Schools expect this number to triple in the coming months due to the teacher shortage, RTE reported.
The survey was conducted by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) in collaboration with the Catholic Primary School Managers Association and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network.
Over 1,300 schools took part in the survey, representing 40 per cent of all primary and special schools in Ireland.
The findings highlight significant challenges in staffing, with schools anticipating a further 1,816 vacancies by January of next year. These additional vacancies are expected due to retirements, maternity leaves, and other long-term absences.
The INTO has expressed alarm over the situation, stating that the survey results “paint a deeply concerning picture of an enormous crisis in our primary and special schools.”
Of the current vacancies, 195 are for permanent teaching positions, while 756 are for long-term temporary or substitute roles. This shortage impacts the ability of schools to maintain consistent teaching staff, affecting the quality of education provided to students.
The recruitment challenge is most severe in Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare, where over half of the schools reported difficulty in filling vacant teaching posts.