Govt should consider moratorium for primary schools set to lose teachers this year
In light of the Covid emergency, Labour spokesperson on Education, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called for a moratorium on primary schools losing teachers in September.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“I know of a number of schools that are within just one pupil of retaining a teacher and whose appeal has been turned down by the Department.
“Given the nature of the pandemic, the huge impact it’s having on children, as well as the loss of school and contact time with teachers, a moratorium on teacher losses should be considered this year.
“At the very least, an appeals process that would take account of the psychological impacts on children and the huge strain the current crisis is having on teachers should be looked at.
“Putting these measures in place even just for one year would be of great benefit for all primary schools across the State.
“I’ll be raising this issue with Minister McHugh in the Dáil tomorrow.”