Dozens of retired teachers on paid contracts

The Department of Education says the number of retired teachers being given work by schools is unsatisfactory as it emerged dozens are on paid contracts while thousands of graduates seek work.

Figures released by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn show that 153 retired teachers were paid for work in the fortnight before the Christmas holidays, 104 of them in primary schools and 49 at second level, excluding vocational schools. However, a further breakdown from the department given to the Irish Examiner shows 22 of the retirees were on paid contracts in primary schools and three in second-level schools.

The figures emerge as thousands of teachers, mostly recent graduates, seek regular work.