Shortage of qualified primary teachers: survey

A survey of more than 1,400 primary schools nationwide has shown that only 92% of classes at primary level are being taught by a qualified teacher.

The survey by the Irish National Teacher's Organisation shows that in 3% of all classes, the person in charge has absolutely no qualifications at all.

This could mean nearly 700 classes across the country do not have a primary trained teacher.

The General Secretary of the INTO, John Carr, says too many young people are losing out on a formative education.

"Between 30,000 and 40,000 pupils do not have a fully qualified teacher in their school.

"We believe this is wrong and it is an abuse of these children because they only have one childhood.

"It is unfair and wrong that these children should be coming to school today, they are entitled to a fully qualified teacher but they don't have one."