Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's view. The matter was brought to my attention when I was in Opposition and in my first year as Minister. Part of the outcome of Croke Park II will move in the direction of improving that overall situation. The problem is cute at the post-primary sector where there are subject teachers as distinct from teachers of young children. I share the Deputy's view. If we do not have teachers who are self-respecting in their own job and who feel they are appreciated, we will not get the best returns. They are among the lessons that can be learned from the Finnish experience. I hope we can move to improve the contractual arrangements and to reduce the amount of casual employment.

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