Discussions between secondary teachers and the Government, which could lead to the suspension of the teachers' month-long industrial action, are set to intensify this week.
However, the pressure on the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) has increased significantly after the other teaching unions last night secured concessions in the review of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
In particular, the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the Teachers Union of Ireland have secured the fast-tracking of the new benchmarking review body. A quarter of any pay award which flows from the process will be paid retrospectively from December 2001. Until now, the review body was not due to deliver any new payments until 2003.
The timing of last night's PPF deal creates difficulties for ASTI which today hopes to mobilise up to 10,000 members for a rally outside Leinster House. ASTI has refused to take part in the benchmarking process.
Both ASTI and Government officials are working on a formula which would allow the union's 30 per cent pay demand to be addressed without undermining the PPF. The Government is adamant, however, that any new review would have to involve the INTO and the TUI.
Discussions centre on some kind of review body specifically for teachers, such as a teaching commission, which could be linked to the PPF. ASTI is expected to renew discussions with the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, and/or his officials later this week.
A meeting yesterday in a Dublin hotel between Dr Woods and ASTI was said to have lowered the temperature of the month-long dispute. ASTI said afterwards it would co-operate with any other body which seriously addressed its pay claim.
Mr Charlie Lennon, ASTI's general secretary, said industrial action could even be "suspended" before Christmas if the Government provided the right forum. Mr Lennon faces a critical meeting of his 180-member executive on Saturday, where he must convince hardliners the Government is ready to address its claim.