ASTI attack minister over supervision issue

THE Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland has accused Education Minister Noel Dempsey of forcing members into a corner on a crucial vote on class supervision.

Mr Dempsey said he will introduce a permanent arrangement for supervision and substitution in ASTI-staffed schools if the union rejects a 1,400-a-year deal.

A difference in the interpretation of the deal led to the ASTI leadership calling another ballot of the 17,000 members.