Let the moaners try to do my job

AS a member of one of the most maligned sectors in Irish society today, may I say that after five years at university (one degree, one masters degree), 14 years on-the-job experience, I earn €33.23 per hour before tax, PRSI and other deductions.

I don’t get paid for overtime. I get hours in lieu but don’t always get to take them. I work with an extremely dedicated and hardworking multidisciplinary team who put heart and soul into their work.

I spend the most part of every week dealing with people who have serious illness, terminal diagnoses, family problems, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, drug problems and other very serious issues.