Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

In the Taoiseach's own constituency of Dublin West, 30 schools had 110 unfilled teaching posts last year, according to the Dublin West education coalition, which organised a comprehensive survey. Some 75% of schools received no applications and 81% ended up using unqualified teachers. The reasons for this crisis are many and varied. They include cuts in teachers' pay and allowances, and non-recognition of qualifications and service abroad. However, the issues of housing availability and affordability, and sky-high rents, have been raised again and again. What steps, if any, is the Government taking to address these housing issues? What steps does the Taoiseach intend to take to tackle the teacher shortage crisis in his own constituency?

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