Teachers groups are angry that State exams will be corrected this summer by people without teaching qualifications.
They are being hired by the State Examinations Commission because of a shortage of qualified staff.
Pay rates are being blamed for the lack of interest.
Correctors get between €5 and €32 per paper.
Deputy General Secretary of the ASTI, Diarmaid de Paor, is critical but not surprised.
"I don't this anybody would say that it was a good move," he said.
"I don't think the State Examinations Commission would say that it was a good move. I think they'd say it was a move they felt themselves compelled to do.
"I think it's a very worrying development, but I also have to say it's not a surprising development.
"We've been pointing out that examiners are overworked and underpaid."
Digital Desk
