Schools in Dublin are “still struggling” to fill teacher vacancies less than two months before the start of the new school year. 

Previously, schools generally filled most of their vacancies in June. 

However, in recent years, schools in the capital have encountered severe problems recruiting and retaining teachers. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, National Association of Principals and Deputies director Paul Crone described the issue as “very acute”, despite the best efforts of the Department of Education. 

“There’s been a lot of actions taken and we have seen some of those measures are taking effect now,” he explained. 

“There certainly are more applicants for jobs this year and the signs are promising. 

“Yet, there appears to be pinch points that are developing - particularly in Dublin, in larger urban areas and quite remote areas. 

“Particuarly in some subject areas, they’re finding it very difficult to get teachers.” 

A classroom in a newly built primary school. Picture by: Alamy.com.

With the cost of housing continuing to spiral upwards, Mr Crone added that many teachers simply find the capital too expensive. 

“The cost of living in Dublin… is not attractive to a lot of teachers,” he said. 

“They’re still struggling to attract teachers to stay in Dublin.

“The principals are reporting that they are getting more applications but it remains to be seen if the people will take those jobs. 

“Because they’ll apply and they might get offered the job in Dublin; then they might get a job somewhere outside of Dublin and take that, leaving the Dublin school last minute trying to advertise for that post again in August.” 

 

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Mr Crone continued that a Dublin allowance, which would see teachers paid extra to work in the capital, is “definitely” something the State should consider. 

“We have to look at all options,” he said. 

“I get it would be more than just teachers - there’s Guards, there’s teachers, there’s public sector workers, there’s all of that. It’s bigger than just teachers. 

“But at the same time, we do have a particular problem and other jurisdictions have resolved that problem.” 

Despite this, Mr Crone said he believes teaching is “still an attractive profession” that is “held in high regard” by the public.

Main image: A teacher teaching his pupils about geography. Picture by: Alamy.com.