Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
116. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline efforts underway within her Department to increase the supply of primary school teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for this Government.??
The vast majority of schools are well-staffed and able to meet the needs of their students; data indicates that in March 2025, 96.9% of primary teaching posts were filled, rising to 97.5% in November 2025.
Additionally, increases in teaching posts have outpaced student population growth in primary schools. Since 2018, there has been an increase of 15% in primary teaching posts.
Fewer than 3% of teachers resign or retire annually; Ireland has amongst the highest teacher retention rates in the OECD.
Additionally, over 1,800 newly qualified primary teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2025 and demand for primary teacher education programmes is strong, demonstrating the attractiveness of the profession. Salaries are competitive, currently starting at €44,879 and rising to €85,000 under the current pay deal.
While the majority of allocated teaching posts are filled and the profession is attractive, challenges exist in some schools and my Department has implemented several measures to address teacher supply issues.
These include improving tenure for teachers; teachers taking up their first contract in a viable post will be eligible for a permanent position after one year, subject to successful re-appointment through a competitive process.
New regulations now allow teachers who qualified overseas to complete their induction in Ireland and incremental credit is also available to teachers returning from abroad, depending on the teaching experience gained.
A?project?focused on strategic workforce planning for teachers in Ireland,?led?by UNESCO and?supported?by?the EU Commission,?is developing?recommendations for addressing the main factors affecting teacher supply in Ireland. These recommendations will form the basis for the development by my Department of a strategic plan for the teaching workforce in Ireland.??
I am considering further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
