Income Tax Changes Welcome, But Insufficient
David Donagh, a 30-year-old teacher, has expressed that while the recent income tax changes in Budget 2025 will provide some relief to young teachers facing rising living costs, they are unlikely to prevent many from seeking better opportunities abroad. He highlighted that young teachers, particularly those considering moving to destinations like Dubai or Australia where income is tax-free and housing costs are covered, may still feel inclined to leave Ireland.

Challenges Facing Young Teachers
Donagh pointed out that many teachers in his age group are facing long daily commutes due to the inability to afford housing near their schools. He shared that he feels fortunate to still live at home in Kingscourt, Co Cavan, which is a manageable 20-minute drive from his job at a primary school in Co Meath. However, he emphasized that others are not as fortunate and face even greater financial and logistical challenges.

Concerns Over Class Sizes and Posts of Responsibility
Donagh voiced disappointment that Budget 2025 did not include measures to reduce class sizes, an issue that remains a top concern for many in the teaching profession. Although the allocation of funding to hire 1,600 new special needs assistants and 768 teachers for special education was a positive step, he felt that it was not enough to address the core issues driving young teachers abroad.

Exodus of Teachers After Budget Announcement
According to Donagh, the allure of tax-free salaries and subsidized housing in places like Dubai and Australia is proving too tempting for many young teachers. He revealed that seven teachers he spoke to after the budget announcement, aged between 26 and 33, have already made the decision to move abroad after Christmas, with five resigning from permanent positions.

Support for Smartphone-Free Initiative
One budget measure Donagh welcomed was the introduction of a “Keep Childhood Smartphone Free” initiative, which is receiving €9 million in funding. He noted that a survey conducted at his school found that over 80% of third-class students already own smartphones, underscoring the relevance of the initiative in addressing children’s screen time and smartphone usage.

Recommendations for Retaining Teachers
Donagh suggested several ways the government could encourage teachers to stay in Ireland. He called for the restoration of posts of responsibility, such as assistant principal positions, which offer opportunities for career progression. He noted that many teachers view principal roles as overwhelming, and restoring these posts could provide a path for promotion without taking on the full responsibilities of a principal.

Financial Incentives for Further Education
Another recommendation Donagh made was the introduction of financial incentives for teachers pursuing further education. Having completed his third master’s degree in education leadership and management, at a personal cost of €9,500, Donagh remarked that such investments are not recognized or rewarded within the profession. He argued that incentives for further study would motivate more teachers to enhance their qualifications and skills, contributing to the overall improvement of the education system.