Sir, - In 1997 I took part in industrial action involving healthcare professionals during which a level of emergency services was provided. The more recent industrial action involving the nursing profession ensured that some emergency services were provided. Are Leaving Certificate students not worthy of emergency cover against possible further strike action by ASTI members?
Many professionals among the healthcare groups are involved in stressful jobs, often involving out-of-work hours with little compensation. Also, we are not in a position to supplement our incomes (like teachers I know) due to infinitely shorter annual leave allocations. Our training courses are similar in length and academic standard to that necessary within the teaching profession and we do not receive any extra allowances for postgraduate training, as teachers do.
Teachers rightly report levels of stress are increased by lack of adequate back-up services. Children with social problems or special needs require suitable supports which should urgently be addressed by our educational system. If this was properly tackled it could perhaps alleviate certain levels of understandable stress associated with teaching in Ireland today.
It is distressing to see exam students used as pawns in the present crisis. It is important that all the issues in this dispute are clear to facilitate open and transparent debate. - Yours, etc.,
Susan Brennan, Portobello, Dublin 8.