TEACHERS’ UNIONS ARE up in arms this morning as the Government suspends allowances for new teachers.

The allowances include payments over and above the basic salary for those who have received honours H.Dips, honours Masters degrees and Doctorates.

An honours Masters degree gives a teacher an extra €4,946, while there are also extra payments of €2,193 for those with diplomas in teaching deaf, blind and disabled children.

Special allowances for those who teach in Gaeltacht areas (€2,757), through Irish (€1,424) or on an island (€1,658) have also been suspended until a review of the payments is carried out.

Earlier today, Minister for Public Reform and Expenditure Brendan Howlin said a business case would have to be made for the extra allowances.

One of TheJournal.ie‘s readers today argues that this case has been made already as the payments encourage prospective teachers to bring the best possible achievements into the profession and encourage them to seek work in marginalised areas or with disadvantaged groups.

What do you think? Should teachers receive allowances for extra qualifications?