‘This will result in more people leaving’ - Incremental credit for teachers returning from non-EU schools sparks debate

However, the proposal also sparked debate among delegates.

Teacher Darragh Fitzpatrick, from Dublin, spoke against the motion, saying teachers who travel to the likes of Dubai are “better paid”, have health insurance, expenses and flights covered.

He said the union represents teachers who are based in Ireland and urged delegates to “respect teachers who contribute to their own country”.

Mr Fitzpatrick warned that the introduction of incremental credits for secondary school teachers who worked in private schools outside the EU will result in more teachers leaving.

“As a union, we need to ask why are members leaving to work at these schools abroad,” he told the TUI’s annual conference.

“They need to save for a deposit, avoid extortionate rents and as a union we need to work to address these issues. If we were to successfully negotiate this we’d have a situation where more members are leaving.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 22nd

"We need to focus on members who are here, rather than enticing teachers who have been here in the past. A ...
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