Teachers to be offered permanent contracts after a year

Junior Cert grading changes to benefit students 

Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has welcomed important changes announced by Fine Gael’s Minister for Education Helen McEntee today. 

Under the new measures, from September teachers will now be eligible for permanent contracts after just one year of service.

This move is designed to improve job security and retain talent within the Irish education system.

Students will also benefit from Minister McEntee’s announcement, as changes to the grading system will see the bands for Junior Cert make more people eligible for top grades. 

Speaking today, Paula Butterly TD said: "These are common sense proposals from Helen McEntee to help retain teachers here in Ireland. 

"For students preparing for the Junior Cert, there is good news too. The grade bands at Junior Cycle will be amended. 

“With the top four grade band now becoming evenly distributed, this will have a positive impact on students, ensuring their grades are more reflective of their work and effort, as well as of the work of our teachers. 

"Fine Gael believes in equality of opportunity and ensuring every person can reach their full potential. 

"These changes will help us achieve that goal." 

Today’s announcement builds on further progress in recent days, including a new initiative secured by Minister Helen McEntee to deliver key therapeutic supports in special schools.

This will see speech and language therapists and occupational therapists deployed directly into special education settings, helping children with additional needs reach their full potential. 

Deputy Butterly added: "Providing some level of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy to each special school is essential to help students reach their full potential. 

“The focus will initially be on introducing speech and language therapy and occupational therapy into special education schools.

 Deputy Butterly concluded:

“This was a key commitment during the general election for Fine Gael."