Budget to force hundreds of trainee teachers on dole

HUNDREDS of trainee secondary schools teachers will be forced to abandon their chosen career because of the government’s budget cutbacks.

Already, more than 800 teaching posts are expected to go because of the increase in class size at second level, although Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe insists that the figure will be closer to 200.

Secondary schools around the county could also face closure after Christmas because of the decision to increase class sizes and reduce the number of substitute teachers.