IRISH teachers are among the highest paid in the 18 OECD countries, according to a new report. But Irish primary teachers have the largest classes in the EU and work some of the longest hours.
The OECD's Education at a Glance report shows lower than average levels of expenditure per student in the Irish education system, particularly at primary and second level. This is due in part to the size of our young population.
At both primary and lower secondary level, the earnings of Irish teachers rank between the top three and top six countries at the levels of starting salary, 15 years experience and the maximum on the scale.
In Ireland, almost 90 per cent of current expenditure in education is spent on the compensation of staff, compared to an OECD average of just over 80 per cent.
The general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, Mr Charlie Lennon said he viewed the figures quoted in the report with "a degree of scepticism" and questioned "if like is being compared with like".
The general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, Senator Joe O'Toole said the fact that primary teachers' salary levels are above average "is poor compensation for the physical wear and tear and the near impossible professional challenges" primary teachers face in working longer hours and dealing with larger classes.
Irish pupil teacher ratios continue to be among the highest of the countries surveyed. At primary level, the pupil teacher ratio was 24.2:1 in 1993-94, the third highest of all OECD countries and the highest in the European Union. Last year, the ratio had dropped to 22.7:1, still higher than the 1993 OECD average.
Primary school teachers in Ireland also work some of the longest hours in any of the countries surveyed on teaching hours, ranking 5th among 18 countries.
"Having the largest classes in the European Union means that discipline problems become more difficult to deal with," Senator O'Toole said.
The figures are contained in the latest OECD (Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development) education report.