The Taoiseach of Ireland has criticized remarks made by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary regarding educators as “crude and misinformed”.
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, further stated that Mr. O’Leary would have no additional role in his party’s campaign.
During a Fine Gael event over the weekend, Mr. O’Leary suggested that he would not employ teachers to “get things accomplished”.
Responding to these comments, Harris, leader of Fine Gael, who last week announced the upcoming general election in Ireland set for the end of the month, expressed his “frustration” concerning Mr. O’Leary’s statements.
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“I regard the comments made as crude and misinformed. I am quite irritated about it,” he stated, highlighting that parliament was “meant to represent society”.
Mr. Harris proceeded to commend educators as “the individuals we can rely on with our most cherished resources: our children, I can attest to that in my very own household”.
Taoiseach Simon Harris. File pic: PA
“And there are not many individuals who can stand before a classroom for even five seconds, let alone endure an entire day, a full week, or a continuous month; it is indeed a challenging profession.”
On Monday, Mr. O’Leary reaffirmed his statements in an interview with Newstalk, claiming there are “too many teachers in the Dail” and they are not “the most qualified individuals to instigate the kind of transformation and entrepreneurship we require”.
“This nation faces significant challenges over the upcoming decade, with the population projected to increase from five to six million people,” Mr. O’Leary mentioned.
“While we certainly require a multitude of teachers to provide excellent education within classrooms, a Dail characterized by a notable excess of teachers may not be one that is able to get things accomplished.
“I am interested in seeing more individuals from the private sector joining the Dail, as that is the momentum we require to address the infrastructure issues we face, and to create housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.
“I believe teachers excel in the educational environment, but I am uncertain that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the most suitable individuals to facilitate the kind of transformation and initiative we require.”
