81% of Principals have hired unqualified teachers in last year

Teachers are calling on the Education Minister to overhaul the profession to attract more people into the job.

The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland says 81 per cent of Principals or Deputy Principals have hired an unqualified teacher in the last year.

There are at least 416 vacant teaching jobs in secondary schools across the country.

The ASTI's Kieran Christie is calling for action from Minister Norma Foley