Madam, - As teachers, Brendan Butler and Miriam O'Sullivan (December 22nd) are justifiably upset at Noel Dempsey's latest denigration of the profession. It really is a demonstration of the brass neck we have come to expect of this Coalition for a Minister to lecture teachers about taking time off when he himself went into recess last Friday and will not return until the end of January.
In addition, he will receive approximately another 24 weeks off in 2004, plus a pay increase that looks as if it will be paid without him having to provide any sign that such an increase is merited. Instead of constant preaching, Minister, how about practising what you preach? - Yours, etc.,
DECLAN CASHIN, Callan Road, Kilkenny.
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Madam, - One of the nobler traditions at this time of year is the goodwill gesture from employers who give their employees a small token of appreciation.
It is sad to note however, that the fine body of professionals who have educated my two children at primary and secondary school have, instead of a treat, been issued a threat by the Minister for Education.
I wish Mr Dempsey a merry Christmas! May he learn to value the human capital in our schools, and may he take time to reflect on the true meaning of goodwill! - Yours, etc.,
EILEEN ENGLISH, Dulargy, Ravensdale, Co Louth.
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Madam, - Over the course of my teaching career, I have tried to include a visit to Leinster House on our itinerary when fifth and sixth classes visit Dublin on a school tour. On one such occasion, I asked the children for their impressions of the seat of Parliament.
A hand shot up. "I thought you told us there are 166 TDs in Dáil Éireann."
"Correct."
"Well, where were the other 162, so?" - Yours, etc.,
JOE LYONS, Patrickswell, Co Limerick.