Irish Primary Teachers Set for Strike Ballot After Government 'Breach of Faith' on Pay
Primary school teachers across the Republic of Ireland are to be balloted on industrial action after the Irish National Teachers' Organisation passed a motion on Monday accusing the government of a "massive breach of faith" over €18 million in overdue pay that has not been delivered since September.
The INTO's motion, passed on 6 April 2026, commits the union to conducting a nationwide vote if the issue of local bargaining funds is not resolved by the end of April. INTO president Anne Horan described the government's failure to pay the money as a fundamental breach of the public sector pay agreement, warning that the delay would increase pressure to seek substantial pay increases in upcoming negotiations for a new deal.
What Is at Stake
The €18 million in question — a figure that continues to grow — was due since September under the terms of the existing public sector pay agreement. The INTO had proposed using the funds to restore 12 allowances, including those for teachers working in remote areas or holding higher qualifications. The union argues that the delay is particularly damaging given that inflation is currently running at 3.6%, while the broader public sector agreement provides pay increases of only 1% and 2% for the first half of the year.
The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) has separately warned that teaching is no longer a viable career for many, citing issues with pay and workload. A survey found that four in five veteran teachers said they could not afford to enter the profession today, while TUI president Anthony Quinn noted that teacher retention remains a significant challenge in second-level schools.
Wider Education Pressures
The pay dispute comes amid a broader teacher recruitment and retention crisis in Ireland. Students are reportedly missing subjects due to the government's failure to address shortages, while a national survey by the Department of Education and Youth found that around 40% of parents with children in Catholic or other religious denomination primary schools would prefer their child to attend a multi-denominational school — indicating growing demand for structural change in Ireland's education system.
The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) annual convention is also expected to debate pay and conditions this week, with the sector facing mounting pressure from all sides.
What Happens Next
If the government does not resolve the local bargaining funds issue by the end of April, the INTO will proceed with a nationwide ballot on industrial action. A yes vote would pave the way for strikes in primary schools across the Republic, adding to the pressure on the government at a time when it is also managing fuel price protests and a housing crisis.
For the latest on the dispute, visit The Irish Times.
