Sir, – Carl O’Brien, through his assiduous use of the Freedom of Information Act, has drawn attention, yet again, to the ongoing teacher supply crisis and its impact on post-primary schools (“Secondary schools struggle to fill hundreds of posts”, News, January 1st). His article references a draft report of a survey carried out last year by the Department of Education which indicated that 400 teaching posts remained unfilled and a further 800 were occupied by teachers who did not have the necessary subject qualifications, a phenomenon usually described as “out-of-field teaching”.
In the same article, he reminds us that the prevalence of “out-of-field” teaching was identified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as a serious weakness in the Irish education system 35 years ago. The fact that it continues today, exacerbated for well over a decade now by a teacher supply crisis, is quite simply incredible. Surely, it should not be necessary to make the case that it is essential to have appropriately qualified personnel in every classroom.
By a sad coincidence, in recent days the death was announced of the distinguished US educationalist Lee Shulman, probably best remembered for his analysis of three categories of content knowledge required by a teacher, namely subject matter content knowledge, curricular knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge. This latter term he called “the most useful forms of representation of those ideas, the most powerful analogies, illustrations, examples, explanations, and demonstrations – in a word, ways of representing and formulating the subject that make it comprehensible to others”. The out-of-field teacher may have some limited expertise in subject matter content knowledge and curricular knowledge, but inevitably will be found wanting in the area of pedagogical content knowledge, a deficit in which carries profound implications for both learner and teacher.
Of greatest concern is the fact that there appears to be little commitment in political circles to recognising and addressing the teacher supply crisis. A lack of any recognition of the urgency or complexity of the problem can be gleaned from a review of the recent political party election manifestos. Fianna Fáil proposes to share teachers in subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) where the problem is most acute. Anyone with knowledge of school timetabling will know that this is simply not practical. It is to be hoped that Micheál Martin, himself a distinguished former minister for education and teacher, recognises the inadequacy of this limited proposal and the need for a more urgent, ambitious policy response. Fine Gael has suggested qualified teachers working abroad will be incentivised to return to Ireland. Although strikingly vague on the details, this suggestion would help but certainly would not resolve the problem. Perhaps both parties might decide to adopt an idea put forward by the Labour Party which suggested the establishment of a teacher staffing task force to consider all the relevant issues and then act upon its recommendations. Obviously, this would not have an immediate impact, and the experience of the Teacher Supply Steering Group in the last seven years gives little grounds for optimism. However, if a genuinely independent expert group were established and required to submit its report within 12 months, and if the government committed to implementing its recommendations, this could prove to be a significant development. – Yours, etc,
Prof JUDITH HARFORD,
Dr Brian Fleming,
School of Education,
University College Dublin,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – It is now possible for Irish Times digital subscribers to read facsimile editions of the paper on the website, so I had a look at the paper published on the day of my birth, in 1960. This headline caught my eye: “Shortage of teachers in Ireland”.
The story underneath quoted Miss Burn, headmistress of Bertrand and Rutland School in Essex Street, Dublin, as saying that she had recently lost three young secondary teachers to emigration: Irish pay and conditions could not compete with those available overseas. Moreover, it took too long to qualify as a teacher here.
Since that day, I have been through the entire Irish education system as a student and have now retired after a full career as a secondary teacher. What are the headlines saying in 2025? That school principals cannot recruit and retain staff. Why? They can’t compete with pay and conditions abroad and it takes too long to qualify here.
We’re good at teaching, but not so good at learning. – Yours, etc,
ANDREW DEACON,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
Dublin’s ‘holistic blueprint’
Sir, – Thank you for Derek Scally’s prescient article on Warsaw, and parallels for the possible transformation of Dublin (“As Dublin stagnates, Warsaw reinvents itself as a modern European capital”, World, January 1st). Great journalism.
The Taoiseach’s Taskforce for Dublin, appointed in May 2024, submitted its report to the government in September 2024. The report is a holistic blueprint from the main agencies for the transformation of central Dublin. It includes many excellent recommendations from previous plans, and provides a co-ordinated approach based on best practice in urban regeneration. The Taoiseach has directed his leading officials to prepare an implementation plan across government.
Dublin City Council, to its credit, and other agencies are already implementing some of the recommendations (which preceded the report) such as the Dublin traffic plan, the Dublin litter plan, injection facilities, and public realm improvements.
But it will be an early test for the new government to address some of the big moves recommended: the refurbishment of all flat complexes in Dublin 1 and 2; development of high-density residential units (with provision for essential workers); the purchase and transformation of derelict sites in O’Connell Street and Dublin 1; a major public use for the GPO; and the rapid deployment of gardaí and city wardens.
As highlighted in Derek Scally’s article, success depends on planned long-term investment, strong city governance, and a commitment to the common good. The city needs much greater control over its budget (currently just 12 per cent of expenditure on the city is controlled by the council, compared to an average of about 40 per cent in most European cities); and there needs to be co-ordination across the agencies and the four local authorities. The citizens’ assembly recommended the elected mayoral model, and a co-ordination unit would be a step toward developing that model.
The biggest blockage to the transformation of Dublin is constant planning objections, and the gross abuse of judicial reviews leading to multiyear delays (especially if referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union). One major developer has shown that only circa 20 per cent of apartment planning applications are actually built (and only circa 50 per cent of housing applications). The Taoiseach, Government and local politicians need to set a moral imperative in favour of the common good and against nimbyism. We wait to see if the new Planning Act will reduce objections (and whether the courts will take a tougher stance).
I look forward to the commitment to the Taskforce Report being included in the programme for government, leading to the energetic rejuvenation of Dublin, and of the other cities in the State. – Yours, etc,
DAVID McREDMOND,
Chairperson,
Taoiseach’s Taskforce for Dublin,
Dublin 1.
Recycling and managing waste
Sir, – Mark O’Connell’s recent commentary on recycling as a “delusional” endeavour overlooks the crucial role recycling plays in mitigating environmental harm and fostering collective responsibility (“There is something delusional about your frantic trips to the recycling bin”, Opinion & Analysis, December 28th).
Recycling is not the sole solution to managing waste generation, but it is a pivotal component of a comprehensive strategy to manage waste and transition to a circular economy.
If people in Ireland stopped recycling tomorrow, over 800,000 tonnes of material would be sent to landfills annually, causing significant environmental damage and releasing vast amounts of carbon.
Broadly speaking, the purpose of recycling is to divert waste from landfills, reuse material where possible, and reduce the environmental impact of discarded materials. Properly implemented, recycling complements broader efforts to reduce waste generation, conserve resources, and lower emissions. It is not a stand-alone solution, but it is far from ineffective.
Recycling is an individual responsibility, but it is one that forms a critical part of a collective solution to waste management. Individual actions – such as properly segregating waste – are essential for the success of larger systems designed to reduce landfill use, conserve resources, and minimise environmental harm.
Plastic often suffers from a harmful perception that oversimplifies its value. Plastic is, in many applications, the most environmentally efficient option available. Its use in sectors like food preservation reduces spoilage and minimises the carbon footprint associated with transportation. For example, lightweight plastic packaging often results in lower emissions than heavier alternatives.
The biggest challenge is not the material itself, but how it is used, discarded, and managed. Efforts like recycling are crucial to ensuring plastic is disposed of responsibly and reintroduced into the supply chain.
Recent stagnation in specific material recycling in Ireland highlights the need for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in proper waste segregation to work towards the ambitious recycling targets for 2025 and 2030. Repak members already fund the recycling of 100 per cent of the packaging they generate in Ireland, demonstrating industry accountability and leadership. These systems can and do work when stakeholders collaborate to ensure materials are properly managed.
Recycling is not about shifting responsibility, but about fostering collaboration between producers, consumers, and policymakers. Unlike tactics seen in other industries, recycling initiatives actively drive systemic change and contribute to creating a circular economy where resources are used efficiently, and waste is minimised.
While no single solution can resolve the waste challenge, recycling is an indispensable part of the collective response. Paired with upstream innovation, policy reforms, and a shared commitment to sustainability, recycling advances progress while preserving the significant environmental benefits it delivers. – Yours, etc,
ZOE KAVANAGH,
Chief Executive Officer,
Repak,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
Grind schools and education
Sir, – While generally concurring with the sentiment in John K Rogers’s letter of January 2nd, I must take issue with the following sentence: “These institutions are there for one purpose and one purpose only, that is to push students to achieve results that many will fail to keep up when claiming courses that may be really be beyond their actual abilities.”
Grind schools are businesses; their primary function is to make a profit for their owners and shareholders. They generate their income off families who are in the privileged position to afford the fees. Of course, the existence and the impact of this niche market of grind schools are the furtherance of privilege. One must question whether it is “education” that they provide or rather knowhow on how to beat the examination system. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN KRASA,
Cork.
Residential Tenancies Board
Sir, – May I propose to our new government a complete abandonment of the hapless and shambolic Residential Tenancies Board? It benefits neither landlord, tenant nor other party. – Yours, etc,
JENNIFER MULLINS,
Claremorris,
Co Mayo.
Dev’s aesthetic asceticism
Sir, – Your excellent coverage of the release of the State Papers includes the following gem: “‘There is no compromise in de Valera’s firm aesthetic face’, (John) Kennedy observed” (“Young John F Kennedy ‘belittled’ Irish unification in meeting with diplomats”, News, December 30th).
It is unclear whether this appears in the text of a speech given by JFK at the Éire Club in Boston or in a note of that speech prepared by the head of the Irish legation in Washington.
Of course one acknowledges that beauty is in the eye of the holder but I wonder if “ascetic” may have been intended. – Yours, etc,
PAT O’BRIEN,
Dublin 6.
Downsides to downsizing
Sir, – Older house-owners seeking to downsize are being told by the banks that they don’t lend to the over-70s, and they don’t do bridging finance. Sell your property, and then rent until you find something suitable.
And of course deposit the proceeds with the banks, for a derisory return.
Is it any wonder many older people are sticking with what they have, rather than going through all the hassle? – Yours, etc,
JOHN O’CONNOR,
CATHY O’CONNOR,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.
Children’s hospital
Sir, – Given the inordinate delays for the new national children’s hospital since first proposed in 1993, with a now likely opening date of January 2026 (News, January 3rd), perhaps we should rename it the national grandchildren’s hospital. – Yours, etc,
HUGH McDONNELL,
Dublin 9.
A successful start to the year
A chara, – John O’Brien (Letters, January 3rd) made a fine attempt at defining success in the context of the new year, as one becomes older. At my age, the definition consists simply of waking up on January 1st. – Is mise,
JOE McLAUGHLIN,
Bonnyrigg,
Midlothian,
Scotland.
