Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed with that response. The Minister did not mention at any stage that he has met any of these newly qualified teachers. I have been in contact with many of them from my constituency and they tell me they are finding it difficult to afford mortgages and basic living conditions. It is unfair that these teachers have been put in that position. Teachers go above and beyond the call of duty. It has caused division in staffrooms throughout the country that there is a two-tier pay scale and it needs to be addressed urgently. I urge the Minister to meet groups of newly qualified teachers to hear their stories.

What is the timeframe for the establishment of the commission the Minister mentioned? I would also like clarity in terms of the restoration of allowances. The Minister stated that will be subject to co-operation. To what co-operation will it be subject? As I stated, teachers go beyond the call of duty and they have been fulfilling the criteria in terms of so-called Croke Park hours and everything else that goes with it. I would like clarity on that point as well.

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