Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
334. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the implementation of the teacher supply measures announced in April 2025, including proposals to allow for permanent contracts after one year of service; the expected commencement date of any such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15744/26]
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 the Government.
A range of teacher supply measures were announced by Minister McEntee in April 2025. It was announced that teachers who have taken up their first contract in a viable teaching post in September 2025 will become eligible for a permanent contract in September 2026.
The proposal to allow for permanent contracts after one year of service is an initiative to increase job security and to make teaching a more attractive, sustainable career. This measure will see teachers who started teaching in September 2025 gain a permanent contract a year earlier than they would have previously, by qualifying for the award of a contract of indefinite duration (CID), where they have been re-appointed following a competitive recruitment process.
This will provide teachers with the certainty that they need, particularly for those who may be considering large financial commitments, such as those applying for mortgages.
This new measure will apply to both newly qualified teachers, and to those teachers who have not yet managed to secure a permanent position, where those teachers satisfy the relevant criteria.
Officials within my Department are currently engaging with the teacher unions and the school management bodies to finalise the details of the new scheme. These details will be published once this process has been completed. This process is expected to conclude by the end of Q1 this year.
The introduction of this measure is aimed at addressing the situation where teachers are providing ongoing service over a number of years without access to permanency.
Additionally, it was announced that eligible teachers who qualified outside of Ireland, could complete their induction (Droichead) requirements within the State. New regulations have been introduced to enable this, and incremental credit is also available to teachers returning from abroad, depending on the teaching experience gained.
My Department has also introduced a STEM bursary and expanded post-primary teacher upskilling programmes which are in addition to more flexible substitution measures, extended to the current school year.
The Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourages students to follow a career in teaching.
A comprehensive workforce plan for the education sector, a commitment under the Programme for Government is in development. Additionally, a new project, supported by UNESCO and the EU Commission, will create a strategic plan for managing Ireland’s teaching workforce is part of the workforce planning activity currently underway. This two-year project involves consultations with key stakeholders to develop recommendations with a report due in 2026.
Separately, preparations are being made to host an education convention, another Programme for Government commitment, that will bring together all stakeholders to share their experiences, expectations, and hopes for the future of our education system.
My Department frequently consults and engages closely with stakeholders on issues such as teacher supply through industrial relations forums, sectoral meetings, and direct discussions with teacher unions. 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.
