Teacher numbers and redundancies
Deputy Nolan questioned how reports of possible ASTI redundancies fit with the commitment to increase education spending and recruit more teachers. The Taoiseach said the Government wanted to work with the unions, was not in the business of forcing redundancies, and aimed to provide proper education for students.
The programme for Government makes a commitment to increase education spend by €500 million by 2021, including the recruitment of teachers. This week we have heard reports that ASTI teachers potentially face forced redundancies. I would like to know how the prospect of these ASTI teachers facing redundancy fits in with the programme for Government commitment to increase teacher numbers. There seems to be a complete contradiction there. I would like the Taoiseach to make a commitment that no teacher, whether in the ASTI or any other union, will be forced into taking redundancy or forced into that dreadful situation.
Comment on this
The Government and the Department have been very clear about this. The Government wants to works with the ASTI to provide proper education for thousands of students. Government is not in the business of forcing redundancy. Government wants to continue to work with the ASTI and the other teacher unions.