The number of people seeking to become second-level teachers has increased substantially this year, despite claims by the teacher unions that interest in the profession is dropping sharply.
According to new figures from the National University of Ireland, almost 4,500 people have expressed an interest in taking the Higher Diploma in Education in its five universities.
This is substantially more than in previous years and the NUI expects that as many as 4,000 applicants are likely to meet its December 1st deadline for the 800 H.Dip places available. This compares with 1,892 applicants last year and 2,456 the year before.
Trinity College, the other university offering H.Dip places, has also reported strong interest, with 350 people having requested application forms for more than 100 places even though its deadline is not until February.
The demand for NUI places is so strong that many colleges have run out of application forms. Prof John Coolahan, chairman of the NUI's postgraduate applications centre, says there is strong interest not only among students, but also among solicitors, doctors and accountants who want to change profession.
"This year we are seeing the number of applications rise substantially", he said. "We are finding that, despite the present problems and focus on pay, those who are applying for teaching jobs are motivated and very committed to working as teachers."
Prof Coolahan felt there was a danger that the teacher unions could talk the profession into a crisis. "But people still see it as a worthwhile job and like working with young people."
The figures were disclosed as the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, held its third day of industrial action. Its 16,000 members withdrew from supervisory duties and more than 600 schools were closed. Similar action takes place today.
The school managers' organisation - the Joint Managerial Body - said that principals and managers were coming under increasing pressure from parents to allow pupils to take classes. But the JMB's advice remains that the safety of pupils cannot be guaranteed without teachers being present as supervisors.
The Department of Education has confirmed that it will be docking eight days' pay from teachers. The decision, which will affect pay packets issued on December 21st, was described as "designed to intimidate" by the ASTI's general secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon.