Dempsey decides to snub ASTI and TUI annual conferences

EDUCATION Minister Noel Dempsey will not attend the annual conference of two of the three teachers’ unions next month, it emerged last night.

It appears likely the minister will, however, attend the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) annual congress in Tralee.

His decision not to address the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) conferences could deepen resentment of him from the teaching profession, as well as create possible divisions between unions.