A Sligo-Leitrim TD is calling for full-time jobs to be offered to newly qualified teachers if that job is available.
It comes as the government is looking at a suspension of non-statutory leave within schools.
Around 800 student teachers who have completed placement may be used in the future to help alleviate a shortage of teachers.
Speaking in the Dáil, Independent TD Marian Harkin believes that the country has lost a number of qualified teachers to emigration and the enticement of full-time jobs abroad.
Deputy Harkin says plans must be put in place not only in the short-term to keep teachers in Ireland but alongside structures in the long-term to ensure financial stability:
