Dempsey trying to renege on benchmarking, say teachers

EDUCATION Minister Noel Dempsey is trying to renege on the benchmarking payment to teachers, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) said last night.

The claim was made after Mr Dempsey warned that inspectors will blitz schools today to ensure there is a standardised school year.

The benchmarking agreement requires all schools to open and close at the same time. It’s believed hundreds of schools will be closed today despite warnings from the department.