Teachers still top of class for 31st Dail representation [Independent.ie]
- Published: 01 March 2011
TEACHERS will still make up the largest professional group in the 31st Dail -- despite an increase in TDs with more varied backgrounds.
One-fifth of those so far elected have an educational background.
And with counting still going on in three constituencies the final tally could be even higher.
A total of 154 seats have been filled and 30 of these TDs are former national and secondary school teachers, pre-school teachers and university lecturers.
The number is down from 2007 when 38 politicians who previously worked in education entered the Dail.
But despite this, the sector is still the largest to be represented -- with only farmers and those who state that their full-time occupation is "public representative" following it.
The revelation comes in the wake of anger at the number of teacher-turned-politicians, some of who are in line for double or triple pensions when the leave office.
Under changes being introduced by the Department of Education, newly elected teacher-TDs and senators will be able to keep their old jobs open for up to 10 years in future.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
