Physics sub teaching opportunities - thin on ground?

Hi there

I've been considering a career change for quite a while. I've been
in IT for over 12 years and for family reasons (wife has high and
reliable income) I need to look at alternative work options.

My original training was in Experimental Physics. My degree had
a chemistry element in it up until 2nd year and I got II-1 hons
in exp. physics, 4 yr. hons degree TCD.

My wife mentioned that I should look at the HDip as an option.
However, I've often kept this idea of physics teaching in mind but
I've rarely seen openings in that area (despite all this government
hoo-ha about needing science trained students for the new millenia).
Also I am based in Connaught which limits me geographically and
as far as I understand not many colleges even do a dedicated
physics course of study over here (some do .. joint phys/chem
degrees)

Am I painting the picture bleaker than it is or is it true to say
that opportunities in physics teaching are very very thin on the
ground (apart from maybe a stroke of luck)... I'd not want to
invest time, money and energy doing the Dip and then find that
really there are very few physics teaching opportunities.

Anyone shed light on this?

-dvince