DUBLIN, Ireland: A teachers' union in Ireland has said that teaching has become "too expensive for many" in the country.

The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) said teaching has become too expensive, leading to a shortage of teachers. This is causing bigger class sizes and fewer subject options for students.

After surveying over 1,000 members, the union said many teachers are worried that school buildings and facilities may not be suitable for the updated senior cycle program. Teachers also raised concerns about heavy workloads and challenges linked to artificial intelligence (AI).

The TUI said only 35 percent of teachers who started in the past 10 years got a full-time contract in their first job. The union is calling for specific steps to make teaching a more attractive and sustainable career, with a fair and manageable workload.

It also said that 77 percent of teachers who joined before 2016 feel they wouldn't be able to afford to become teachers today.

TUI president Anthony Quinn said teaching has become too costly for many people in Ireland, which is contributing to the shortage of teachers and affecting students through larger classes and fewer subject choices.

The union added that schools need more teaching staff and suggested reducing the required two-year professional master's degree for secondary school teachers.

More than 90 percent of teachers said paperwork and administrative tasks often take time away from teaching. Nearly 80 percent said the guidance from authorities on AI has not been good enough.

Quinn said action is urgently needed, and called for a clear national plan to make the best use of AI while also protecting the education system from its risks.