Minister Jan O'Sullivan has stated that she doesn't think productivity will have an influence on pay increases for teachers.

Speaking to Lunchtime today, the Minister told Ciara McDonagh: "I don't think productivity is necessarily a part of it, I think it's mainly around what the public purse can afford.

"I won't be leading the discussions! But I think we do need to address the difficulties that have been experienced."

She did state that she was looking at giving teachers more permanence in their role: "We are improving situation with regard to how soon they become permanent."

You can listen to her full interview on Lunchtime here:

Earlier, the Teachers Union of Ireland said 30 per cent of its members are affected by income poverty.

The union is gathering in Wexford today for its annual congress where the issue and Junior Cycle reform are expected to top the agenda.

The body says there's a crisis in the profession over the low amount of hours younger teachers can secure.

TUI President Gerry Quinn spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning and he stated that it's a serious concern,

Mr Quinn explained: "We have a crisis in the profession - we have income poverty, particularly for younger teachers and lecturers, and we have the emerging problem of the bureaucratisation of the teaching profession" he said.

"30 percent of teachers are employed on a part-time basis, and some of them struggle to survive in teaching" he added.

You can listen to the full interview here: