The Garda says it is investigating allegations of assault at the secondary teachers’ annual conference in Galway.
They are not commenting on whether the complaint was made by Mr Pat Herlihy, PRO for the National Parents’ Council. Mr Herlihy claims he was assaulted by a man he believes to be a member of the ASTI.
He told RTE Radiohe was punched in the face last night in a hotel bar in Co Galway and informed local gardaí but had not given a formal statement.Yesterday Mr Herlihy's colleague, Ms Marie Damaswamy, the president of NPC, claimed she was verbally abused and intimidated at the conference.
The ASTI responded to the allegations by saying the alleged assault was a matter for the gardaí but that the union would investigate if presented with evidence.
"If there is an allegation of an assault against somebody the appropriate people in any venue in anywhere in society is the gardai," said ASTI General Secretary Mr Charlie Lennon."The union itself is utterly opposed to violent or abusive behaviour and we would find it reprehensible in any circumstances,"he said.
Mr Lennon also indicated he had received abusive calls and death threats since the industrial action began.