Sir, – Productivity is invariably raised during public sector pay negotiations, with public servants expected to demonstrate efficiency and accountability. But who holds the Department of Education accountable when its own administrative failures leave newly appointed teachers without pay for weeks?
When I was appointed to a permanent teaching post, I had to wait 10 weeks to receive my salary. Other newly appointed teachers can face delays of up to eight weeks, if not more.
Principals submit appointment forms on teachers’ behalf. Yet the department has reverted to accepting paper forms only, despite having facilitated electronic submissions during Covid. The absence of a reliable way to track submissions or confirm receipt compounds the problem.
Having worked as a senior manager in the private sector, including in human resources, before becoming a teacher, I find this level of inefficiency astonishing. Would a private sector organisation tolerate recurring payroll failures on this scale without demanding answers?
RM Block
If productivity matters in pay negotiations, it must also apply to the department. Public servants cannot reasonably be expected to meet high standards of performance while the systems supporting them escape equivalent scrutiny.
Electronic submissions, confirmation of receipt and timely payment are basic requirements. It is time the department was held to the same standards of efficiency it expects of others. – Yours, etc,
SANDRA NÍ DHUBHDA,
Stillorgan,
Co Dublin.
