The Department of Education and Children is explaining the thinking behind its decision to limit pay for the supply teachers it employs.

Minister Eddie Teare says individuals are currently remunerated in accordance with their previous rates of pay, which often include an element for standards and responsibilities which supply teachers are rarely required to fulfill.

The department has reviewed the arrangements in the light of the current economic climate and says that from January 1 the maximum rate for a supply teacher will be main scale six, while those who haven't reached that level will continue be paid at the appropriate lower main scale rate.

It's claimed the arrangement would have saved ?104,000 had it been applied for the whole of the current financial year.

Supply teachers are receiving letters notifying them of the change, and the department says it hopes they appreciate the reasoning behind the change, and are prepared to continue to undertake supply work.

The Joint Teaching Associations say they regret the cost cutting measure, which will lead to pay cuts for many members.