A severe teacher recruitment and retention crisis in second-level schools is 'unsustainable', the TUI has warned.
TUI President Liz Farrell told Newstalk Breakfast people are not applying for teaching jobs.
"We've 91% of schools surveyed by our Principals and Deputy Principal Association that experienced teacher recruitment difficulties in the previous six months," she said.
"61% of schools experienced teacher retention difficulties in the previous six months, and 71% of schools advertised positions in the previous six months for which no teacher applied - I think that's the big one, really."
The teachers’ union believes the problem is being exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis
The union said it has been highlighting "the acute negative effect that pay discrimination has had on both the attractiveness of and morale within the profession" for a number of years.
'Bigger intake of students'
Ms Farrell said there are a number of things that could be done.
"The first one, practically, is that the allocation for schools are based on the enrolment figures for the previous year because the demographic is increasing," she said.
"What we're seeing is that schools are becoming larger, you've a bigger intake of first year students, and the allocation needs to be increased immediately."
The TUI President said too many teaching jobs are being offered on a part-time basis.
"We need to offer our new entrants... full jobs, absolutely full jobs, not these partial jobs.
"We know that 65% of applicants beginning on their career path are only offered hours, not a full job, that's unsustainable.
"We're also calling for the teacher unions to be represented on the Department's Teacher Supply Group which is looking at these issues."
She said the current system means teachers have to apply twice for the same positions.
"We have a four-year degree in place; we've a two-year PME at extortionate cost for people and then, once you apply for hours, you have to interview before you get the job.
"Then you apply again the following year for those same short hours - so what teachers have to do is apply for the job they're currently in twice under the rules that we have," she added.
