The TUI president says the Government seems to lack the imagination needed to tackle the teacher supply crisis.
Liz Farrell made the comments to Education Minister Norma Foley during a speech on day-two of the union's annual conference in the city.
Delegates heard that teacher morale is getting worse due to the lack of qualified teachers which is in turn being created by the lack of affordable housing and childcare as well as other factors.
The union have also raised concerns about plans for senior cycle reform and described the level of trust between teachers and the Department of Education as "teetering on a knife edge."
Liz Farrell put it to Minister Norma Foley that her Department doesn't understand how to solve the problems facing the teaching profession.
"Imagine, Minister, in the year 2023 we are compelled to tell you and your department to recruit teachers on permanent jobs.
"Imagine, in the year 2023, we are having to tell you to retain teachers and to offer them promotional prospects.
"Imagine, in the year 2023, we are here telling you that teachers want to reclaim their profession."
