Shortage of primary school teachers at crisis point

The INTO is warning the shortage of primary school teachers has reached a crisis point where some schools are forced to employ people with no teaching qualifications.

The union says schools across the country are being impacted, with those in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath being hit hardest.

It’s pointing to a worsening housing and cost of living crisis, the lack of affordable childcare and better conditions abroad as the main factors.

General Secretary of the INTO and Donegal native John Boyle says special needs teachers are being pulled into mainstream classrooms due to the shortage: