Sir, - Having worked overseas for seven years, I know why Ireland was perceived to be the "Land of Saints and Scholars". Our quality of education is simply superb in comparison with other countries. Indeed, one of the reasons my wife and I returned to Ireland was to give our children the same high standard of education that we had obtained.
Like many other people, I am concerned that, because of teachers' relatively low pay, high-calibre people will no longer be attracted. I did not return to Ireland only to benefit from a rich economy, but also to benefit from an enriched society. Teachers are the foundation stone of an enriched society, and they should be rewarded accordingly. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Stafford, Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.