The education system in Ireland needs more teachers who come from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to form a better connection with students from these communities.

This is according to school principal and Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain, who stated in an article for the Irish Times that there is currently a lack of educators from such areas who return to be leaders in their former schools.

"Until we can address this deficit, poorer children will continue to feel disconnected from our education system," he said.

Mr O Riordian added there is an "undeniable culture barrier" within the country's education system, as children from disadvantaged communities feel their teachers do not understand or respect them.

He therefore called for a fresh approach to tackle the issue, stating Deis establishments need to be given assistance to provide more options for higher-level education such as teacher training.

The representative said "we must eradicate the barriers to those from lesser means" so they are able to enter the teaching profession and inspire and enable the next generation.

Written by Donal Walsh

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