Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has demanded urgent action from government to address the number of young teachers considering leaving the profession due to the housing crisis.

A poll results published today by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland found 51% of those hired within the last decade are considering leaving Ireland to teach abroad, with many citing unaffordable costs including housing costs as a key factor.

Teachta Clarke said: 

“This survey confirms what has been clear for some time now, young teachers are leaving Ireland in huge numbers as they cannot afford to live here.

“This is an issue that teachers, principals and unions have raised with me as a matter of serious and growing concern. 

“The housing crisis is so severe that many teachers are unable to afford to rent or buy a property near their place of work. They are forced to fork out huge sums for rent each month, or undergo exhausting commutes every day.

“Many are passionate about teaching here in Ireland, they have done their training here and want to build a life in their community. However, they feel they have no choice but to move abroad as they see no future for themselves here.

“Government must act urgently to get to grips with the housing crisis. I am urging them to see this is a wake-up call and take action now.

“Housing would be the number one priority of a Sinn Féin government.”