Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I completely agree with the Minister about the need to protect educational standards and that we must continue to invest in teachers. All Members would have received correspondence from and met people of different ages who expect to qualify as teachers shortly. As a result of changing careers, etc., many of these individuals already have substantial mortgage commitments and student loans and they are very concerned with regard to the rate of pay that will apply at the entry level to teaching. This issue requires further consideration in order that we might ensure that we continue to protect the teaching profession. We must also ensure that the entry requirements relating to training colleges and universities are of the highest standard.

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