An independent inquiry into

An independent inquiry into teachers' pay and conditions is to be held in Northern Ireland. Announcing it last week, education minister Martin McGuinness said, 'At a time when we are looking at how best to meet the educational needs of our children, it is essential to ensure that we have the right package of pay and conditions to support our teaching profession in the many challenges it faces.' Topics in the inquiry, which is expected to last between six and nine months, include parity and equivalence with pay levels for teachers in England and Wales.