Sir, – I fully support Frances Byrne’s call for early years and school age care professionals to receive public-sector pay and conditions (July 22nd).A further injustice is the lack of recognition afforded to graduates in the sector. Many hold Level 8 degrees, yet these qualifications are not adequately reflected in their professional status, career opportunities or remuneration.These graduates are educated and trained to support the care, development and learning of children from birth to six years of age. During these crucial formative years, these professionals lay the foundations for children’s future learning, wellbeing and social development. Their government-funded workplaces are inspected as educational settings by the Department of Education Inspectorate. Nevertheless, they are not recognised as teachers. There is something fundamentally wrong with a system that demands high professional standards while failing to recognise those who meet them. This is not simply a matter of pay but one of equality, professional status and fair recognition of qualifications and responsibilities within the Irish education system. – Yours, etc.ANN HARRINGTON, Lisdoonvarna,Co Clare.