A chara - Michael J. Heary (December 16th) states that no teacher was made redundant last year. He fails to take into account the teachers employed on a temporary basis, full-time or part-time.
I worked in a school for three years, during which I fulfilled my contractual duties, took part in extra-curricular activities, walked the yard voluntarily and covered classes for absent colleagues - for which I received no payment. At the end of the three years I was informed that my services were surplus to requirements due to falling numbers. In effect, I was made redundant. I found myself having to reengage in the interview process, trying to convince prospective employers of what I was prepared to do above and beyond what I could ever hope to be paid for. My case is typical of young teaching graduates in the pursuit of elusive permanent contracts.
During recent industrial action it has become clear that the Department of Education places no value the extra, unpaid voluntary work without which the school system seems unable to function. - Is mise,
Elaine Ni She, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare.