Paying Pupils

Sir, - I was very interested to read of Mr Richard Bruton's proposal to pay some schoolchildren to stay in school at rates similar…

Sir, - I was very interested to read of Mr Richard Bruton's proposal to pay some schoolchildren to stay in school at rates similar to those in the Youthreach program (The Irish Times, September 29th). Does Mr Bruton not think that this money might be more wisely spent by ensuring that skilled and dedicated teachers in the Youthreach scheme stay themselves? There has been an ongoing dispute with the Department of Education under successive governments (including the last one, in which Mr Bruton served) over the level of pay to teachers in Youthreach. These teachers work a longer school year than others, dealing with underprivileged young people, yet they are paid up to 30 per cent less than their counterparts in school. I wonder when Mr Bruton or any member of the present Government is going to address this unacceptable and inequitable situation? - Yours, etc., Steven McCarthy,

Hazelwood Park, Artane, Dublin 5.