1408. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department plans for a new national relocation scheme to allow teachers working far from home, due to high living costs, to transition back to local posts smoothly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58826/26]

This Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.

My Department received a report from the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) in March 2023 proposing a national relocation scheme for teachers. Officials from the Department subsequently engaged with TUI representatives to discuss the proposal and highlight areas that required further consideration.

The scheme would allow teachers to identify preferred locations for relocation through a portal and potentially swap positions with teachers in those areas.

It should be noted that an existing voluntaryredeploymentpilot operates that is distinct from the relocation scheme proposed by the TUI. The key purpose of the pilot voluntaryredeploymentscheme is to assist the Department to achieve its objective of redeploying all surplus permanent teachers.

A national relocation scheme for teachers is an idea worth pursuing but requires careful consideration and is a significant undertaking.

There is currently no proposal being advanced, and alignment among unions, management bodies and other stakeholders in the sector would be necessary in order to take this idea forward.