The findings of a new report may help support recent calls for a reversal of the decision to suspend payment allowance for new teachers.

Research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed the countries with the highest performing educational systems are those where higher teaching salaries are prioritised.

The study contrasted data on primary and secondary school spending with the reading performance of 15-year-olds and found those with the strongest performance provided their staff with higher wages.

General secretary of teachers' union ASTI Pat King claimed the results of the OECD research contradict the recent pay cuts announced in the Irish education system, with the report emphasising how the move will impact negatively on the quality of teaching in the country.

Ballyphehane teacher James Wilson told the Cork News the study found Ireland to be one of the strongest performing countries educationally, but this is likely to change if budget cuts continue.

Written by Donal Walsh

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