Sir, – In an otherwise well-researched article, which debunks many myths about teachers’ pay, Louise Holden (Education, October 22nd), unfortunately perpetuates another myth in suggesting the “Croke Park Agreement” was, in some way, responsible for the 10 per cent reduction in pay imposed upon new entrants into the public service after 2010.
In fact, the then Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, imposed this cut in an unilateral action, which was opposed by all public service unions. At the very first opportunity, in the so called “Croke Park 2” discussions and, ultimately, in the Haddington Road Agreement, public service unions made this a priority and succeeded in ensuring that all of those recruited since 2010 will now be enabled to reach the same salary maxima as their longer-serving colleagues. – Yours, etc,
TOM GERAGHTY,
Secretary, Public Services
Committee,
Irish Congress of Trade
Unions,
Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – Apart from pay and conditions, one must compare qualifications ("Are Irish teachers really the best paid in Europe?", Education, October 22nd). That varies a bit from state to state in Germany, but a secondary school teacher generally completes a programme for the first "Staatsexamen" which is the full equivalent of a master's; five years regulation study time. He or she does a further two years' "apprenticeship" with additional training obligations at sharply reduced pay rates before sitting the second "Staatsexamen".
Only then can the candidate be given permanent, full-time status – if at all: the final examinations have a competitive character and certain results have to be attained before induction into the state school system. Clearly, there are no additional bonuses for a qualification such as master’s.
Comparisons are difficult but I would suspect that in practical terms, most German teachers would have cause to envy their Irish cousins. – Yours, etc,
Dr GERARD MONTAGUE,
Zaumberg,
Immenstadt/Allgäu,
Germany.