THE biggest of the three teachers' unions, the Irish National Teachers Organisation, has voted to accept the Government's £66.7 million offer on pay and conditions.
The INTO general secretary, Senator Joe O'Toole, said the 160 branches had completed their ballot and the improved proposals had been endorsed by a "clear majority".
The two other teachers' unions the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, and the Teachers' Union of Ireland will have the result of their ballots by the end of the month.
The INTO would not give details of the vote other than to stress that there was a "clear majority."
The Government package provides for pay increases of at least 3 per cent for more than 20,000 teachers, as well as average increases of 28 per cent in allowances.
Teachers with 35 years' service would be allowed to retire at 55, and 3,500 extra promotional posts would be created.