6th December 2022
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) deplores the lack of engagement and consultation by the Minister for Education on reported changes to our members terms and conditions. This relates to media reports this afternoon that the career break scheme is to be restricted from September 2023.
On behalf of our members, we have repeatedly requested an emergency meeting with the Department of Education to explore solutions to the ongoing teacher supply crisis in our primary and special schools. We have to date not received a single response to a formal request for a meeting made some fifty days ago.
We have sought to be constructive in proposing workable short-term solutions to address the substitution crisis experienced over the winter.
The cost-of-living crisis, an inability to access housing and significant rent increases have exacerbated the problems associated with teacher supply. The proposal to unilaterally amend a teachers’ terms and condition of employment, without any consultation with representative bodies, is nothing more than a distraction from the broader issues faced.
We will be seeking an immediate meeting with the Department of Education and will ensure our members are kept updated.