2,000 retired teachers continue to work as substitutes
Around 2,000 retired teachers, many of whom are receiving pensions from the State, are still working as substitutes in Irish schools, according to figures obtained by Fine Gael.
The figures from the Department of Education, which relate to last year, show that the situation is common in both primary and secondary schools.
Around 100 retired teachers worked more than 91 days in primary schools last year, earning them at least €18,000 each, while 30 retired secondary teachers worked more than 300 hours, earning them at least €15,000 each.
Fine Gael education spokesperson Brian Hayes is calling for an end to the practice, saying the jobs should instead be given to new teaching graduates who are currently being forced to sign on the dole or emigrate.
