Dear Editor,

May I address a genuine query to you and ultimately the Department of Education in regard to one of the proposals on the most recent offer to second level teachers under a productivity clause in the PCW. The issue relates to qualification allowances for specialist teachers, and the proposal is that a degree allowance should be made payable to them.

Specialist teachers cover a broad spectrum of post primary teachers. Most are home economics, art, technological, religion, PE and technical graphics teachers who have not received qualification allowances for their non NUI/ TCD or non degree/H.Dip qualifications over the past 27 years. Some aggrieved specialist teachers now include degree holders and holders of qualifications that took up to six years to gain.

While credit is due to the Department or Education for finally recognising the overdue parity in pay and qualifications for specialist teachers, is it not ludicrous that they are being asked along with their colleagues to pay for this justifiable right in a quid pro quo arrangement?

The Department of Education itself set a precedent in 1974 and again in 1978 when it issued circulars awarding specialist teachers qualification allowances for diplomas and two year certificates with honours or pass degree allowances. Surely it is reasonable to ask now that parity of esteem should be awarded free gratis I ask you to show solidarity with this case by appealing to the Department. Yours, (specialist teacher), Gurtard, Ballylongford, Co Kerry.