The change aims to reduce job insecurity and encourage more teachers to remain in the profession by offering greater stability early in their careers in Ireland.

Announced as teachers gather for annual trade union conferences, including the INTO Congress in Galway, the move is seen as a significant step toward addressing teacher shortages and making teaching a more attractive career. Minister for Education Helen McEntee has said she is on a mission to make teaching a more “sustainable career” and “providing teachers with the certainty they need, particularly when applying for mortgages.”

Previously, teachers needed two consecutive contracts to be considered for a permanent role. Under the new rules, if a teacher is reappointed to the same post after one year, and the position remains viable, they will receive a permanent contract.

The issue of precarious work has been a major concern among young teachers, especially at the post-primary level, who often struggle to find secure full-time positions despite widespread shortages. Newly qualified teachers tend to be more interested in jobs abroad in countries like Australia or the United Arab Emirates, where teaching positions offer higher salaries and job security. The Department of Education hopes to retain teachers in Ireland with the new measure of ensuring job security.

Ms McEntee also pledged to streamline the recognition process for teachers who qualified outside of Ireland, acknowledging that many face bureaucratic hurdles when seeking employment in Ireland. She states that this would be a “practical, common-sense measure that will encourage teachers to work and start their careers here.”

Detailed implementation guidelines will be developed in consultation with teacher unions and school management representatives in the coming months.