The TUI claims that some teachers are leaving their jobs because they can't afford to pay rent.

The comments come as three of the country's main teaching unions are meeting today - with talks set to focus on pay and conditions.

The INTO began its annual think-in yesterday, while the ASTI and TUI conferences begin later.

The TUI claims that some members are earning less than 15 thousand euro a year, and are leaving the profession because they can't afford their rent.

TUI General Secretary John McGabhann says as a result some schools are already finding it difficult to find science and language teachers: