Public sector pay and conditions

Madam, – Has there ever been a generation of young Irish less well placed than those of today? The fact is that those over 50…

Madam, – Has there ever been a generation of young Irish less well placed than those of today? The fact is that those over 50 years of age have destroyed this country and now see no problem in bankrupting the young to pay for their retirement.

The average teacher with an honours degree can retire at the age of 60-65 and receive a net monthly pension of approximately €2,700. A school principal could expect to retire earning €3,500 net per month. In contrast, a 26-year-old public servant working as an executive officer will only take home about €2,150 per month. Unlike a retired person, they have to pay for a mortgage, rent, transport and the expense of having children.

Public sector pay has been cut heavily in the past 12 months, yet pensions have been untouched. Who is going to support these increasing numbers of handsomely paid retirees? Maybe it is time that the self-serving older generation took a lead from politicians and surrenders a large part of their pension payments. – Yours, etc,

Dr THOMAS FARRELL,

Heytesbury Lane,

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.