Trained teachers are moving to temporary positions in more affluent areas rather than accept or remain in permanent posts in schools designated as disadvantaged, the Dail was told.
Highlighting the crisis in urban areas and in west Tallaght in particular, Mr Pat Rabbitte (Lab, Dublin South-West) said that this meant that on average one-quarter of teachers in schools in disadvantaged areas were untrained.
He appealed to the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, to take action.
Minister of State Ms Mary Hanafin, replying for Dr Woods said "the difficulties with teacher shortage and teacher movement are not confined to disadvantaged schools alone".
She was confident, however, that the measures taken by the Government would help to ensure the current difficulties would be resolved.