THE TÁNAISTE AND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION Mary Coughlan has approved a FÁS scheme which allows schools to take on teachers who are currently on the dole, for free.

The approval is an extension of an existing work experience programme.

The teachers and teaching assistants would continue to receive their social welfare benefits, and could be hired for up to 40 hours a week for nine months, according to a statement from the Department of Education.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said they hoped people participating in the scheme would not be exploited, and the INTO said the only thing the scheme offered teachers was working for nothing, according to RTÉ’s  Six One News.

The Tánaiste said the programme would help unemployed people to “keep their skills current and gain valuable work experience”.

It can also be used for non-teaching graduates and non-graduates.

The Department of Education said that accepted applicants will undergo garda vetting and schools should not use the scheme to replace staff members or fill vacant posts.

The department recently instructed schools to cut the wages of around 17,000 non-teaching staff including secretaries, caretakers and cleaners, according to RTÉ. Those wages are paid by schools, and not directly from the Department of Education.