In its initial reaction to Budget 2026, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has said today’s announcement is worryingly silent on the problems caused by underinvestment and unrestored cutbacks.
‘We’re awaiting full details of the Budget 2026 measures for education, but it already seems apparent that they will fail to address the key issues that affect service to students, including our unacceptably large class sizes and the effects of the recruitment and retention crisis,’ said TUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie.
‘It’s important to bear in mind that we were already starting from a low base in terms of investment, with the latest OECD figures showing that of the countries for which figures are provided, none spend a lower proportion of national wealth on education than Ireland’s.’
Recruitment and retention crisis
‘While the increase in special needs assistants and special education teachers are both very welcome, it is extremely disappointing that the Budget appears alarmingly silent on the general recruitment and retention crisis that sees students miss out on subject choice and also sees growing numbers leave the profession for other employments.’
‘Ahead of the Budget, TUI lobbied TDs on the recruitment and retention crisis in schools, issuing each with a briefing document on the causes, the damage being done and the solutions required.’
‘Specifically, there appears to be no increase in the teaching allocation to schools that would allow us to move on from the disgraceful situation where just over a quarter of teachers commence their career on a contract of full hours.’
New DEIS+ scheme
‘We welcome the new DEIS+ scheme, which will target the highest level of educational needs disadvantage. Should additional funding be required here, it must be made available.’
Student registration fee/third level funding
‘We welcome the cut in the student registration fee, but much more needs to be done to support families and to tackle the financial barriers to third level.’
Long-standing failure to provide adequate resourcing
‘The long-standing failure to provide adequate, targeted resourcing risks inflicting more operational and reputational damage on our education system.’