Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of male teachers in the State, by primary and post-primary schools, for each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10791/26]
View answer148. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of female teachers in the State, by primary and post-primary schools, for the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10792/26]
View answer149. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of principals in the State, by gender, by primary or post-primary school, for the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10793/26]
View answer151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the gender ratio of teachers at primary and post-primary schools respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10795/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147, 148, 149 and 151 together.
This Government is fully committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.
The Department produces and publishes a range of data on teachers and principals, including the gender of teachers and principals appointed. These data including the number of male and female teachers and principals in the education system at both primary and post-primary level each year for the period 2015 to 2025 may be found on the Teacher Statistics section to the Department's website, using this link <www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/teacher-statistics/>
The ratio of female to male teachers in primary and post-primary schools (excluding ETBs) in the 2024/25 school year was 5.35:1 and 2.13:1 respectively.
Ratio of Female Teachers to Male Teachers – Primary
|
School Year |
Ratio of Female Teachers to Male Teachers |
|
2024/2025 |
5.35 : 1 |
|
2023/2024 |
5.36 : 1 |
|
2022/2023 |
5.47 : 1 |
|
2021/2022 |
5.45 : 1 |
|
2020/2021 |
5.47 : 1 |
|
2019/2020 |
5.49 : 1 |
Ratio of Female Teachers to Male Teachers – Post Primary
|
School Year |
Ratio of Female Teachers to Male Teachers |
|
2024/2025 |
2.13 : 1 |
|
2023/2024 |
2.14 : 1 |
|
2022/2023 |
2.17 : 1 |
|
2021/2022 |
2.18 : 1 |
|
2020/2021 |
2.20 : 1 |
|
2019/2020 |
2.21 : 1 |
Note: Post primary figures do not include ETBs.
An analysis of teacher payroll data, as of November 2025, shows there are 75,000 teachers employed in our schools across the country with 40,308 at primary level including special schools and 34,626 in post-primary schools.
My Department recently published three reports on teacher supply including data on an analysis of the Teaching Council register, a survey of substitutes and a survey of teacher unmet demand in post-primary schools.
My Department remains committed to supporting a diverse and sustainable teaching workforce and a project focused on strategic workforce planning for the teaching profession is currently underway, supported by UNESCO and the European Commission. A report including recommendations will be published in mid-2026.
I will continue to consider further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
