The latest projections of future second level student numbers show that there will be an increase of 75,000 students in the system between now and 2024. (Full statistics at end of statement).
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today said that the projections make clear the need for significant additional investment in the education system in the coming years. The union has said it will not countenance a situation where demographic changes could be used as an excuse to inflict further cutbacks on the education system.
TUI estimates that an additional 3,900 second level teachers will be needed in the coming ten years. The union’s Annual Congress takes place at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny next week.
Speaking today, TUI President Gerard Craughwell said:
‘The latest projections show that the number of students at second level will rise starkly from around 335,000 today to 410,000 by 2024. This 22% increase will require the employment of a minimum of over 3,900 additional full-time teachers over a ten year period to at least maintain the current pupil teacher ratio of 19:1, which has worsened in recent years as a result of cuts imposed by Budget.
In this context, TUI will not countenance a situation where demographic changes could be used as an excuse to inflict further cutbacks on the education system. There is nothing left to give: the system has been pared back to the bare bones. Teacher numbers have already been cut, vital positions such as Year Head are no being filled when they become vacant while guidance counselling provision has also been cut. Principals and teachers are doing everything they can to paper over the cracks and provide a quality frontline service.
Young people only get one chance. Clearly, every child must be given the very best chance to secure an estimable Leaving Certificate. It would be grossly wrong if any group of students was to have their legitimate educational aspirations impeded by further cuts in teaching numbers by virtue of the year they entered the system. No student should be a victim of historical accident.
Policy makers will have been aware of this impeding spike in student numbers for several years. While it will lead to challenges, it should always be remembered that education appropriate to the needs of the individual is a basic human right.
We currently have the scandal of casualised teaching. Many are on part-time work on very low incomes. These teachers must be moved to full employment and this need for new teachers will provide opportunities for them. We would estimate that half of second level teachers under 35 are on part-time or casual contracts of less than full hours.
Now more than ever, education must be seen as a driver of economic recovery.’
Extract from Department of Education and Skills document ‘Projections of Full-Time Enrolment Primary and Second Level, 2013-2031’
http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Statistical-Reports/Projections-of-full-time-enrolment-Primary-and-Second-level-2013-2031.pdf