A Clare-based former ASTI President has lambasted the Programme for Government for being "scant on detail" when it comes to resolving the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.

The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland is claiming that the Programme for Government "fails to provide a real commitment to addressing the teacher shortage crisis" which it claims is the "number one threat" to the education system".

The Programme states that one of the ways the incoming Government intends to support schools is by reducing the 19:1 primary school Pupil Teacher Ratio at primary level but teachers' organisations have criticised the pledge for a lack of detail as well as a failure to address the issue at secondary level.

Former ASTI President and St. Joseph's Kilkee Community College teacher Geraldine O'Brien has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons poor morale, disagreements over the curriculum and better opportunities abroad are prompting teachers to "vote with their feet".