Don’t blame retired teachers

I STRONGLY object to retired teachers being demonised in the media because, in the past they provided substitute cover for absent teachers and in some cases may continue to do so.

There is nothing unprofessional in the provision of substitute cover for absent teachers. what is unprofessional is the Government failing to make sure that only qualified teachers are allowed to teach. There has never been a proper supply panel from which to provide cover for teachers who are absent. If there were, regular employment could be provided at no extra cost for most if not all teachers without work.

Let everyone be clear why many young teachers are without work this year. There is a significant surplus of teachers because promises to reduce class sizes were broken and services to special needs children and newcomer children have been delayed or abandoned. A thousand jobs were taken out of the system at primary level. A thousand teachers are unemployed.

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland has no difficulty with unwaged teaching graduates being employed as a priority where substitute or other work is available. Equally, there will still be the need for retired teachers to work causally at times and in areas where no unwaged teachers are available until a comprehensive supply system is established.

Denis Desmond

National Secretary

Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland

Carlton Court

Swords, Co Dublin