INTO: This week's teacher conferences will receive extensive media coverage, but is it all work and no play for the delegates? And who are the movers and shakers? Seán Flynn, Education Editor, reports
Irish National Teachers' Organisation
(25,000 members in the Republic)
Where: Brandon Hotel, Tralee, Co Kerry.
When: Began last night, continues until Thursday.
INTO: A brief recent history
The decline of the INTO was widely predicted with the retirement of former boss, the larger-than-life Senator Joe O'Toole, two years ago. In fact, the union is still firing on all cylinders, helped by the strong performance of John Carr, the general secretary.
Carr lacks O'Toole's big personality, but his wide experience and his deep commitment to a better education service means he is widely respected. His decision to appoint former school principal (and Glasgow Celtic fanatic) Peter Mullen as INTO press officer was inspired.
The INTO remains the biggest and most powerful teaching union. Only one problem - there is a certain coldness in the union's relationship with the ASTI and the TUI. Both say the INTO was too willing to compromise with Noel Dempsey about his attendance at the conference.The ASTI and the TUI privately accuse the INTO of scuppering hopes for a united approach to Dempsey's original demand for a forum at the conferences.
Who are the delegates?
Over 80 per cent of primary teachers are female, but both sexes are equally represented at the conference. Like ASTI, most are 40-plus although there has be an infusion of younger delegates in recent years.
Craic factor
Very high. Visitors are advised to bring a guitar or banjo. Those passing through the hotel foyer around 5 a.m. can expect to encounter one of the legendary INTO conference "sessions". Expect to hear the entire back catalogue of Bob Dylan or Christy Moore - or, depending on the hour of night, both.
What's the story?
About 20 per cent of all motions this year are about the crisis in special needs education.
The presence of Noel Dempsey this morning, in his first address to any teachers' conference this Easter means that the INTO is guaranteed huge media coverage. The Minister will debate a range of issues with John Carr during a forum.
Noel Dempsey watch
Relations between the INTO and the Minister are cordial. The Department regards the INTO as a serious, very professional body. The INTO, in turn, is measured in its public comments about the Minister. It can and will give the Minister plenty of stick - but this is issue-based. There is no personalised criticism.
What will delegates be talking about?
There will be pressure on John Carr to perform well during this morning's debate with the Minister. Some delegates say Dempsey has undermined the morale of teachers. They will want Carr to reflect this.
