Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My party supports the principle of equal treatment for newly recruited public servants, including those in the education sector. New entrants in the teaching profession do not receive the same allowances as long-serving teachers. This cannot be justified and is corroding morale within schools. It is wrong that an important profession like teaching has a two-tier salary system. We are all proud of our education system. Despite the funding pressures of the past eight years, our teachers are providing a top-class service. Everything must be done to ensure that morale is restored. Future pay agreements should focus on equalising pay for new entrants. My party is committed to restoring full equality of treatment for teachers. Will the Minister make the same commitment on behalf of the Government?

I welcome the establishment of a public sector pay commission to examine pay levels across the public service, including entry pay levels. This was a key demand of our party in the discussions on facilitating a minority Government. We will contribute constructively to the commission when it is established and seek an early conclusion of its work.

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