Irish Examiner view: Career break not making profession more inviting

Teacher shortages

According to a survey by the Irish Primary Principals Network, approximately one quarter of schools across the country have not been able to fill their staffing allocation this year.

The news that Education Minister Norma Foley is considering the suspension of career breaks for the teaching profession got exactly the reaction one might expect — including criticism from the opposition when it was confirmed that the minister herself is on a career break from a teaching post.

The main teaching unions were loud in their criticism, pointing to a general lack of consultation with the minister on the proposal, adding that any such decision would make the teaching profession less attractive.