Grad teachers on dole while retired teachers are rehired

An Enniscorthy Councillor has slammed the Minister for Education for presiding over a system where retired teachers are rehired as substitutes at the expense of newly qualified graduates.  Cllr Johnny Mythen said this policy contradicts the government's promise to make youth unemployment a top priority.

Cllr Mythen said;

"The recent revelations by the Minister of Education Ruairi Quinn  demonstrates that the rehiring of retired teachers as substitutes contradicts the Governments proclamation of 'youth employment being made a top priority'."  

"At present 150 retired teachers are holding substitute posts while thousands of graduate teachers are on social welfare or heading for emigration.  These young teachers are an invaluable asset to the nation, as were the teachers gone before them."

"Surely an appeal must be made to the schools and the education department to make sure that they prioritise these substitute posts for our young graduates."