ASTI warns of teacher exodus

The loss of teaching jobs in second-level schools this September could lead to a brain-drain of teachers from Ireland, according to the teachers union ASTI.

Union President Pat Hurley told an ASTI conference that the vast majority of teacher graduates cannot secure permanent teaching posts for many years.

Mr Hurley warned the situation would worsen when the education cutbacks kick in this September and he called on the Government to reverse its decision to cut teacher numbers in schools.

“Today’s second-level pupils will enter a global labour market where education is the currency,” he said.

“The only way to protect our young people’s futures is to protect their education.”

Mr Hurley predicted there would be a brain-drain of teachers due to uncertainty of employment in Ireland and aggressive teacher-recruitment campaigns which are running in other countries.