Calls to give new teachers more hours

THERE were strong calls yesterday for new teachers to be given more hours, amid fears that those struggling for work could suffer mental health problems while retired teachers take substitute classes.

The ASTI conference heard that retired teachers still taking substitute hours were “an embarrassment” and were taking a living from younger teachers, many of whom are struggling to get work.

Greta Harrison from west Mayo said teachers on the Live Register needed to be prioritised when it came to employing people in schools, while John Molloy, (Galway East) a retired teacher, said other retired teachers “are not welcome in the staff room” at a time when younger teachers are struggling for work.