The educators’ annual Easter conference usually greets the attending education ministers with such actions as heckles, large-scale applause made noticeably slow for dramatic effect and loudspeaker noise. This year, however, it seems the environment is somewhat changed. There is no pressing threat of future industrial disagreement or blazing quarrels set to overwhelm the proceedings.
In fact, all teachers’ unions recently assented to a two-and-a-half-year public sector wage agreement estimated to yield a rise of approximately 10 per cent, having been endorsed by an overwhelming 80-85 per cent majority. The agreement, lacking in the contentious productivity proposals which characterised earlier bargains, is expected to ensure harmonious industrial relations up till June 2026.
Since this past October, starting salaries for primary school educators have seen an increase to more than €41,000 and for secondary school educators, they have risen to over €42,000. The first 2.25 per cent pay increase in a series anticipated to carry on, retrospectively effective from January, will arrive shortly.
Nevertheless, the conference is overshadowed by what the unions describe as a critical situation in teacher recruitment and retention. As per the unions, there are hundreds of unoccupied positions across the secondary education sector which lead schools to recruit unqualified staff or offer limited subject options for students. In the primary sector, the challenge of sourcing substitute teachers disrupts schooling and often results in teachers specialising in inclusive education covering for the vacancies.
It is generally perceived that the largest contributors to these deficiencies are high living and housing costs, particularly in Dublin and other city areas, where shortages are at their peak. The three teachers’ unions are set to discuss proposals to make teaching a more economically feasible profession, however, how much of a difference they can make, if implemented, is questionable.
One such action proposed at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) congress in Derry, commencing on Monday, suggests an allowance similar to the London weighting allowance for compensating higher urban living costs. Nevertheless, other unions do not back this idea. They argue it is a simplistic measure which would be challenging to enforce fairly.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) are set to consider proposals for rewarding Irish educators coming back home from non-European nations with a salary hike to recognise their overseas service. They will also discuss the potential reduction of the two-year professional master of education qualification’s length, which currently holds a price tag around €15,000.
There’s no denying Education Minister Norma Foley’s efforts in resolving the situation. She has tapped into numerous tools such as, active promotion for retired professionals to return to teaching, providing professional development courses, raising the percentage of trainee teachers in the classroom, and easing job-sharing restrictions for teachers on career breaks.
Statistical evidence indeed shows a promising trend. The last five years saw a 20% rise in qualified teachers; there was an all-time high of 122,000 teachers registered with the Teaching Council. The industry is still attracting potential entrants as indicated by CAO applications.
However, there remain pressing concerns. One contributing factor is the minister’s strategy of reducing class sizes, particularly at the primary stage, which unintentionally exacerbated the problem. Additionally, the thousands of newly-created teaching roles for Ukrainian students and the special education sector are already stretching the available supply.
The challenge cannot entirely be attributed to the education department as an overwhelmingly employed economy resulting in shortages across multiple sectors, combined with an overarching housing crisis making urban living unfeasible for teachers, also bear a part. Comparable conditions are seen in various European countries indicating a broader issue.
Possible long-term solutions like affordable housing for public sector employees would require drastic changes in government policy.
In the upcoming conferences, it’s probable that Minister Foley will highlight the progress made thus far, whilst promising further actions. While this may not incite applause, at least there’ll be relief in the absence of vocal protests or slow handclaps at this year’s event.