University lecturers did least well out of the benchmarking process in the education sector, with a recommended pay rise of only 3 per cent.
The groups which represent them, SIPTU and the Irish Federation of University Teachers, made strong representations on their behalf during the process.
Many academics were yesterday disappointed with the outcome. However, there was better news for junior staff and professors in the university sector, who were recommended higher increases.
Lecturers, who normally go under the titles of college lecturer or senior/statutory lecturer, depending on the college, received 3 per cent across the board.
With the Government only committed to phasing in one-quarter of this immediately, the overall rise for these staff could be very small, at least in the short term.
However, their salary scale is still far ahead of many other professionals in the education sector. For example, a senior/statutory lecturer at UCD will now have the chance to earn up to €78,287 per year, assuming all of the recommended award is eventually phased in.
Some of the upper grades in the university sector fared better. For example, associate professors are to receive a 6.1 per cent rise. At UCC, this would allow such a post-holder to earn up to €94,310 per year.
Again this is based on all of the 6.1 per cent being phased in.
The junior staff who benefited from benchmarking were assistant or "junior" lecturers, who have been recommended an 11 per cent rise. At Trinity College, Dublin, an assistant lecturer's salary will begin at €29,465 and rise to €59,467 a year if all of the 11 per cent is phased in.
While many university academics are unlikely to be satisfied, the situation at the institutes of technology was radically different. In this sector all lecturing grades are to receive 11 per cent, with heads of schools to receive 12 per cent.