'Why would teachers stay in Ireland to endure poverty and disrespect?'

Michael Gillespie, TUI general secretary, addresses members at the TUI Congress in Killarney. Picture: Tommy Clancy

Teachers are escaping “poverty and disrespect” for other countries with better conditions and nicer weather, the Teachers' Union of Ireland’s annual conference has heard.

A new amalgamated teachers’ union is being considered to create a bigger and more powerful body to grapple with such ongoing problems, TUI general secretary Michael Gillespie told this year’s event in Killarney.