More strikes planned if talks fail

Widespread industrial action on a regional basis will take place next month if the current attempt to solve the teachers' dispute…

Widespread industrial action on a regional basis will take place next month if the current attempt to solve the teachers' dispute fails.

The central executive council of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) agreed earlier this month to resume strikes from January 16th. Schools in Dublin are due to be affected on January 16th, 24th and February 1st and 13th. Schools in Leinster (excluding Dublin) will close on January 17th, 25th and February 6th and 14th.

Schools in Munster will be affected on January 18th and 30th and February 7th and 15th. Schools in Connacht/Ulster will be hit on January 23rd and 31st and February 8th and 20th.

ASTI has also instructed its 16,000 members not to work on the State exams from February 3rd. Assessments for the Leaving Cert Applied course will not be affected, but orals and practicals which form part of the mainstream Leaving Cert will be.