The ASTI is committed to campaigning for a properly funded second-level education service which provides equality of opportunity to all students.
We believe that schools and teachers must be supported in their work towards delivering a quality and inclusive education to young people.
The latest OECD Education at a Glance 2024 report reveals that Ireland is again at the bottom of the OECD for investment in second-level education as a proportion of national wealth. Ireland is in last place out of 34 countries for investment in second-level education as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). In 2021, the year analysed in the OECD report, Ireland invested 0.9% of GDP in second-level education compared to the OECD average of 1.9% and EU average of 1.9%. What this means is an annual funding gap of almost $1,000 per second-level student between Ireland and the OECD average
In terms of overall investment in education (primary to tertiary), Ireland invested 2.9 per cent of its GDP compared to the OECD average of 4.9 per cent and EU average of 4.4 per cent.
Commenting on the report, ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie said the evidence is damning for the Irish government:
“It is shameful to see that once again Ireland is languishing at the bottom of the table for investment in education. The Government must commit to closing this investment gap between Ireland and the rest of the world in Budget 2025.
“Modern curricula require that a significant amount of practical, scientific and experiential work occurs in classrooms every day. This is not sustainable in overcrowded classes and under-resourced schools.”
Teacher recruitment
Ireland is below the OECD average for its starting salary for teachers. In the context of a teacher supply crisis, this is an issue which must be addressed, along with the lack of permanent teaching positions, the length of the teachers’ pay scale, and teacher workload.
High returns on investment in education
Higher levels of education have multiple benefits for individuals and society, according to the OECD. For individuals this includes more earning power, increased employability and greater ability to adapt to evolving digital technology including AI. For society, benefits include increased environmental awareness, improved social cohesion and more equity.
OECD report Education at a Glance 2024 Ireland Report
ASTI press statement on Education at a Glance 2024
ASTI/ RED C Survey 2024 - Digital Technology and its Impact on Teachers’ Working Lives