Government must commit to a blanket moratorium on schools losing teachers
Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on Government to commit to a blanket moratorium on any school losing teachers in September. Given the nature of the pandemic and the continued impact it will have on school communities, Government must assure all schools that they will have the same number of staff as they had last year.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Teachers and schools have been on the frontline of the pandemic, adapting to online teaching overnight and supporting students through a very challenging number of months. Many school communities are already overworked and under resources. The Government needs to stand up and support school communities and ensure that all schools will have the same number of staff as they had last year.
“We need assurances that the overall number of teachers employed in the school system will be maintained and not allowed to fall. There must also be a commitment from the Department that when teachers retire they will be replaced and a guarantee for those considering a career in teaching that there will be positions for them in the future.
“Teachers are put under phenomenal pressure as they adapt to in-class teaching with Covid. If any cuts are made, children will ultimately pay the price as they will struggle to get the attention they need. Now more than ever we need to protect our school communities and ensure that there is a blanket moratorium on any school losing teachers in September.”