Call for protection of teaching posts

Around the Houses...

Senator Joe O’Reilly (FG) has called for greater protection for rural primary schools and renewed investment in teaching posts, warning that small schools remain vulnerable under current staffing rules despite progress in reducing class sizes.

Speaking during a Seanad debate this week, the senator urged the Government to introduce “sensible flexibility” in the allocation of teaching posts and to consider the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) proposal to recruit 1,000 additional primary teachers in Budget 2027.

Senator O’Reilly, a farmer primary school teacher, former INTO branch chair and long-time educational advocate, said the issue was “close to my heart” and highlighted concerns raised by local communities about the future of Corlea National School and Coronea National School.

“Under current Department of education staffing arrangements, a small drop in enrolment can result in the loss of a teacher post. That is the kernel for these small schools that are the at the heart of their communities which have multigrade and combined classes.”

The senator cited figures showing that approximately 80% of primary school pupils are in classes above the EU average size of 16 pupils. He also pointed to staffing pressures, noting that 996 teaching posts remain unfilled while thousands of substitute teaching roles are being covered by personnel who are not fully qualified teachers.

Senator O’Reilly acknowledged improvements made by successive governments in reducing the pupil-teacher ratio. “That is not a reason not to want to make further progress.”

He argued that smaller classes allow for more individual attention, earlier intervention and improved educational outcomes, adding that the challenge is particularly acute in rural Ireland where a slight drop in enrolment can result in the loss of a teaching post.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Minister of State Michael Moynihan said Budget 2026 provides €13.1 billion for education and youth services, a seven per cent increase on the previous year. He said there are now more than 43,000 teaching posts in primary schools, representing an increase of over 5,000 since the 2019-20 school year, while the pupil-teacher ratio has improved to one classroom teacher for every 23 pupils.

The Minister said the programme for Government commits to reducing the general primary pupil-teacher ratio to 19:1 during the Government’s term. While recognising the case for flexibility where schools narrowly miss enrolment thresholds, he said staffing allocations must continue to be based on clear criteria.

UK returns agreement for asylum applicants

The Government has yet to secure a bilateral agreement with Britain to return international protection applicants who travelled to Ireland through the UK, the Dáil has heard.

Deputy Matt Carthy (SF) asked Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan what progress had been made, noting that ministers have repeatedly stated that 80-90% of asylum applicants arrive via the Common Travel Area.

Minister O’Callaghan said the recently commenced International Protection Act had already contributed to a significant drop in applications, with new search powers uncovering documentation, including UK driving licences. He said discussions with the UK Home Secretary had covered greater data sharing, cross-border policing and returns.

Deputy Carthy argued that without a bilateral agreement, Ireland had “no power to do anything about” applicants found to have travelled through Britain.

The Minister said he wanted a returns agreement but acknowledged he could not compel the British Government to enter one. “I cannot force the Home Secretary or the British Government to enter into an agreement with us,” he said.

Deputy Carthy questioned whether Britain was delaying negotiations and argued that designating the UK a safe third country was of limited value without a mechanism to return applicants. The Minister said the designation remained appropriate and reiterated his commitment to securing an agreement.

Cash payment

Senator Sarah O'Reilly (Aon) has called on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) to begin accepting cash payments, arguing that its current policy contradicts Government policy and unfairly excludes many people.

"I simply cannot understand how a State agency can continue to ignore clear Government policy on this issue," she said, noting that successive Ministers for Finance have supported cash acceptance for essential public services.

Sarah O'Reilly said the policy creates "unnecessary inconvenience and discrimination", highlighting that around 350,000 people in Ireland do not have a bank account, while many others rely on cash to budget or because they are uncomfortable with digital technology. "Cash is the most inclusive form of payment that we have," she said, adding that consumer choice "must include cash."

Dementia on illness card

Senator Pauline Tully (SF) has called for dementia to be included under the long-term illness scheme, arguing that people living with the condition should automatically qualify for a long-term illness card.

Speaking in the Seanad, Pauline Tully described the case of a woman whose husband was recently diagnosed with dementia but was refused a long-term illness card because "dementia is not included on the long-term illness scheme."

"It really should be," she said. "It is a life-long lasting condition, there is no cure and it is progressive." Tully also questioned why some dementia patients appear to qualify while others do not, calling for clear and consistent eligibility.

Additional needs services

Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) has renewed calls for improved services for children with additional needs in County Cavan, urging the Government to approve plans for after-school supports, including summer camps and Saturday clubs.

Speaking in the Dáil, Brendan Smith said staff shortages have placed significant pressure on Enable Ireland, which operates the Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT) in Cavan. He said parents have been told there is a proposal before the HSE or the Department to establish after-school services locally and insisted it "must be progressed and approved without further delay". Deputy Smith said families in neighbouring Monaghan have praised similar services for supporting the education, communication and daily living skills of children with autism and complex needs.

Childcare reform

Deputy Cathy Bennett (SF) has criticised the Government over the pace of childcare reform, calling for urgent action to deliver its election pledge of childcare costing €200 per month "with so many families continuing to pay over €800".

Speaking during a Dáil debate, Bennett said it was "simply indefensible" that childcare costs remain so high more than a decade after they were first described as being comparable to a second mortgage. She noted that Sinn Féin had published a costed childcare plan in 2024 and accused the Government of failing to produce its own roadmap despite election promises. Pointing to more than 50,000 children on waiting lists and high staff turnover, Bennett said families, children and early years educators "deserve better."