Over 1,500 teachers have retired this year

MORE THAN 1,500 teachers have retired this year at both primary and post-primary level, Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe has told the Dáil.

He said 850 primary teachers and 738 teachers from secondary, community and comprehensive schools had retired this year, a “much higher” figure than in previous years. Of that figure, 321 school principals retired, 260 deputy principals, 588 assistant principals and 275 teachers with special duty posts retired.

A survey of departing teachers found that one-third were concerned about “future taxation of their lump sum and the impact of recent levies”.

Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes described the number of school principal retirements as a “very serious loss of senior and middle management within the education system”.

It was “quite clear that the doubt that existed over the taxation of the lump sum was a real issue for many principals”.

“I would encourage the Minister to clarify that issue with his Government colleagues once and for all.”

He noted that the 456 assistant principals who had retired were not being replaced, and called on the Minister to review the moratorium on appointments because it was causing enormous problems.

Mr O’Keeffe said a principal or deputy principal could be replaced – “a special concession that does not apply to other sectors of the public service”.

Mr Hayes also called on the Minister to state there would be no increase in the €1,500 capitation fee. The Minister replied: “If a level of service beyond €1,500 is not being delivered by the higher level institutions, we cannot increase the registration charge.”

Asked to state “yes” or “no” to an increase in the fee, Mr O’Keeffe said: “I am not aware that third-level institutes or universities have, up to now, requested an increase in the registration fee” but it was a matter for the budget.