Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The reduction in salaries for young teachers is very unprofessional and not the way to go. In recent days I have talked to many young teachers and, to my surprise, their concern is not salaries but jobs. They are looking for jobs, which is their focus. One top-class, qualified teacher to whom I spoke had only worked for three days in the last six months. I would like the Minister for Education and Skills to focus on this issue above others. In the current economic climate there seems to be an anti-public service mood, with rants against teachers, HSE workers, special needs assistants, home helps and so forth. It seems people want to cut, slash, burn and destroy others. They are using phrases such as "productivity", but there are many in the public service, teachers in particular, who have increased their productivity but are getting no recognition for it. I ask the Minister to comment on this.

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