Sir, - As a secondary school teacher of three years' standing, I would like to draw your readers' attention to the plight of Ireland's junior teachers.
At 26 years of age, my income for the last tax year was £19,600, before deductions. This figure includes the 8.5 per cent awarded to me last October.
My current status is that of eligible part-time (EPT). This means that my position is by no means secure and, were pupils numbers to drop significantly, my services would no longer be required, despite three years' solid service to the same school, Currently, 1,222 ASTI members are in this position.
As there are other teachers of similar status above me on the incremental scale, it is no exaggeration to say I may not receive a permanent position until I am 30.
I was always encouraged to choose a profession from which I would derive satisfaction and enjoyment. My position as a teacher provides me with both but, unfortunately, idealism does not pay ever-increasing bills! - Yours etc.,
Tony Flynn, New Square, Mitchelstown, Co Cork.