Hundreds of young teachers have marched on Leinster House to highlight pay inequality in the profession.

Organisers described the gathering as a “grassroots protest” sparked by anger among newly qualified professionals over the two-tier pay gap for public sector teachers.

The march did not have the formal backing of any individual trade union group, but a significant number of local branch members of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) were present.

Mary Jarrett, a primary school teacher, said that six years after pay cuts for teachers were imposed, the frustration had reached a tipping point for many.

“This is all about equality,” she said. “We are trying to get the message out there that it is not fair that newly qualified teachers are on significantly lower pay scales than other teachers for doing the same job.

“We are demanding pay equalisation for all and full restoration of pay.”

Since 2011, teachers who entered the profession are paid less than their colleagues for the same work.

Pay restoration

The Government has argued that the existing public sector pay deals allow for the gradual restoration of pay.

In addition, it has signalled that the issue will be addressed in a public sector pay commission, to be established shortly.

All three of the main teachers’ unions - the INTO, ASTI and TUI - have passed motions at their annual conferences calling for the restoration of a common pay scale.

The INTO has faced some internal criticism from younger members over its decision to sign up to the Lansdowne Road pay agreement.

However, senior officials say that this has helped secure changes that will cut career losses for newly qualified teachers from more than €250,000 to €90,000 through negotiations.

The union says it will fight for the full equalisation of pay scales through future pay claims, negotiation and deals.