‘Those who can should pay higher taxes’

The Government was sent an unequivocal message from primary teachers that those who can afford to do so must be asked to pay more taxes if the economic crisis is to be tackled fairly.

Irish National Teachers’ Organisation general secretary Sheila Nunan told Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that her members, who are under threat of further pay cuts and workload increases, are driving the economy by providing the educated workforce that generate profits for private businesses.

Mr Quinn had earlier braved the question of the Croke Park II extension being voted on by 32,000 INTO members until Apr 15 and said he is acutely aware of the proposals being very challenging for them.