School Staff

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (400)

John Paul O'Shea

Question:

400. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she is aware that the new initiative allowing newly qualified teachers to secure contracts of indefinite duration may disadvantage experienced teachers who have worked continuously for several years but have not yet secured permanent or fixed-term positions; and whether consideration will be given to extending similar opportunities to teachers with several years’ service who are currently reliant on substitute work. [68542/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Youth

Department Circulars 20/2026 and 21/2026 set out the revised criteria for the award of a CID in Primary Schools and in Post Primary Schools. The circulars amended the criteria for eligibility for a CID from a period of two years of continuous service to a period of one year of continuous service, subject to satisfying the required criteria and where the school will have a viable post available in the following school year. The revised criteria apply to both newly qualified teachers and teachers who have held their qualifications for a number of years, where they satisfy the criteria set out in the circulars.