MINISTER FOR Education Batt O'Keeffe is set to meet the INTO and second-level school managers in the coming weeks as efforts step up to resolve the impasse over Budget education cutbacks.
The Minister says he will not compromise on his plan to increase class sizes but some changes to the controversial new regime for teacher substitution are likely before it is introduced on January 7th next.
School managers have warned that classes may be suspended and pupils sent home unless there is some change.
The recent Budget move to increase class sizes led to bitter exchanges last week between the Minister and the INTO.
The union said up to 1,000 jobs would be lost in the primary sector but the Minister accused it of "scaremongering".
Over the coming weeks, the INTO is planning a national campaign, beginning with a rally in Galway on Saturday, against the increase in class size and the Budget cuts.
The cuts have been described by INTO general secretary John Carr as "callous and savage". There is no indication that Mr O'Keeffe will give way.
A meeting is also planned between the Minister and the Joint Managerial Board (JMB) who manage most second-level voluntary schools.
JMB general secretary Ferdia Kelly has said the new substitution regime will generate chaos in schools and leave school managers with little choice but to close schools in January. Education sources say however that some compromise on substitution is likely.
The Budget moved to cut substitution cover for uncertified sick leave and for second-level teachers on official school business such as sports or career events.
Over coming weeks, the department is likely to consider new limits on uncertified sick leave and on the number of teachers permitted to go on school business during school hours.
While both sides continue to talk tough, both are also anxious to avoid a confrontation - in which schools could close - in January.
Separately, the union said, INTO members voted to accept the national pay deal by a significant majority.
