Sir, - I began teaching in 1973. During the 1970s we were told that because of the oil crisis there was no money to pay teachers any more. During the 1980s we were told that because the economy was not doing well there was no money to pay teachers any more. During the 1990s we were told that the economy could not afford to pay teachers any increase.
For the past 30 years I, along with my teaching colleagues in all branches of education, have realised that it was in the interests of the economy that we modify our demands. During that time we have adopted new courses, taught bigger classes, changed our methods as society demanded and got on with the job. In doing so we created the monster of the Celtic Tiger and we got little benefit from it.
Now the Government is loaded with money. We are making our demands again and this time the Government, partly because of our efforts, can afford to pay. At long last, after nearly 30 years, it is pay-back time. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Cogan, Cherrytree Drive, Listowel, Co Kerry.