Primary teachers call for number of training places to be cut

The number of training places for primary teachers should be reduced because Government cuts mean there are not enough jobs in schools, the head of their union has claimed.

At the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation congress this week, dozens of unemployed and non-permanent teachers vented frustration at problems finding work and at lower pay for those joining the profession in the last two years.

INTO general secretary Sheila Nunan said the best entrants are still attracted into the profession and are well trained, but newly qualified teachers are being demoralised and being forced abroad by a lack of work.