Sir, - In response to Ben Dorney's letter "A Teacher's Deal" (April 3rd) - as an enthusiastic professional, working in industry, who may also, like Mr Dorney, have to pay for the mis conduct of those in the beef industry, I was amazed to read that he (A) objects to working a mere 15 extra hours a year (B) resents those primary school teachers without a degree, obtaining a similar salary to those teachers with a degree.
Despite his professional qualifications, BA, BEd degrees, of which no doubt he is proud, he would appear to have a rather curious attitude to work.
There are many qualities in life, which benefit a person to contribute wholeheartedly to his/her work, such attributes as, enthusiasm, dedication, diligence, self sacrifice and loyalty, none of which can be equated in either monetary terms or time.
He and others like him, who rejected the "wooly deal" offered by the Department of Education, ought to look beyond the narrow, focus of pay deals, and show more generosity of spirit with their expertise. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" Luke 12:48.
We would expect more than begrudgery, eminently portrayed in his letter. - Yours, etc.,
Rathdown Park,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.