Irish primary school teachers are among the world's best paid education professionals.

The Forfas 2010 report presented to the cabinet earlier this week revealed that the starting salary for staff is around 15 per cent more than the OECD average.

It was noted that teachers at the top end of the salary scale bring in around 33 per cent more, the Irish Times reports.

The starting wage for a newly-qualified teacher is 32,000 euros, with an additional 4,918 euros for those with honours degrees.

More experienced teachers can expect to earn around 59,350 euros, plus other allowances.

However, a spokesperson for the Irish National Teachers Organisation made the point that the cost of living is much higher in Ireland than elsewhere, with bread and cereal costing around 32 per cent more than the EU average.

Writing recently for the Irish Independent, John Walshe said primary school teaching is a good choice of career for graduates looking for a permanent and pensionable job during these uncertain times.

Written by Donal Walsh

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