The latest OECD annual international indicators (Education At A Glance 2024) once again endorse the work of teachers and lecturers in Ireland while illustrating the continuing failure at Government level to invest appropriately in education.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has described the findings as a wake-up call ahead of next month’s Budget.
Union President David Waters this morning provided the following commentary on some of the publication’s key findings.
Ireland adrift from OECD counterparts due to shameful levels of underinvestment
‘The most damning indicator in this report shows that of the countries for which figures are provided, none spend a lower proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) on education than Ireland’s (2.7%). The situation is particularly dire at second level, with Ireland’s spend (0.9%) the lowest of the 34 countries for which figures are provided, trailing far behind the OECD average of 1.9%.'
‘At third level, the spend (0.5% excluding R&D) is just half that of the OECD average. This is a shameful legacy of a refusal at political level to address the sector’s funding crisis in any meaningful way.’
‘Too many schools and colleges lack the facilities required by modern education methodologies, while the continuing failure to restore middle-management structures in schools has made it more and more difficult to help those students who are experiencing a range of difficulties in schools.’
‘It is TUI’s strong position that students from disadvantaged backgrounds suffer the most as a result of inadequate resourcing, so the failure to invest will inevitably widen inequalities in Irish society.’
Full-time, permanent posts needed
‘The report shows that at second level, starting salaries of Irish teachers are below the OECD average. Even then, it must be borne in mind that these salaries are based on an assumption that Irish teachers commence on ‘full’ jobs, which regrettably is not the case at second-level.’
‘A survey of teachers carried out by TUI earlier this year showed that of those recently appointed, on a third (35%) appointed received a full-time contract, and just over one in ten teachers (12%) were offered permanent positions. This culture of precarious work is driving both potential and serving teachers away from the profession.’
‘We need to return to a system where teachers are offered full jobs and permanent contracts upon initial appointment.’
Teaching hours
‘At upper secondary, net teaching time in Ireland exceeds the OECD average, with Finland, Korea, Japan, Germany, Norway, Spain, Greece and Switzerland among those countries with a lower net teaching time at this level.’’
Budget 2025 – a chance to begin the process of appropriately funding education
‘Today’s report makes clear the commitment and achievements of Irish educators and students in an era of chronic underfunding. It should also be a wake-up call to Government, and next month’s Budget offers them a real opportunity to demonstrate that they are serious about enhancing the education service to students.’