Maura Hennessy

In the ballot my main consideration will be in relation to the issue of benchmarking. It has been proven not to work. It forces people to look inwards. To keep the high standard of our education system, we must have the necessary rewards for those in, and those considering joining, the profession.

Brian Moore

For me, this isn't about money. My perspective is that of a young teacher. We don't go into teaching expecting to earn millions - this profession is very much a vocation. You hope for respect for your efforts from your employer. It has felt as though the Minister does not take us seriously.

Nicholas Fitzsimons

I feel I must vote "no" in the ballot. From the perspective of a father and a teacher, it feels that education is going to lose something unless there is further communication about the issues. I feel strongly that we must communicate and get a win-win situation through negotiating.

David Dunne

The future of teaching as a profession is at stake, so this ballot is very important. I wouldn't encourage my son to go into teaching. It doesn't provide an adequate salary for a young professional at present. The profession will degenerate rapidly if we don't attract the best graduates.

Jim Kirby

The Labour Court clarification really just offered the original document with fairly irrelevant things added. It still seeks for us to go back into the PPF and benchmarking process. The dispute has always involved the question: "Will this improve education?" I think the proposals will not.

Kevin Lewis

The clarification document was a misnomer because the language was more muddled. What worries me is how the benchmarking process will be measured. What knowledge of teaching will those involved have? How exactly will teachers, or teaching, be measured?