Union ready to challenge any dismissals in court

THE lack of protection afforded to non-permanent teachers is set to become the subject of a handful of legal cases against the state, it has been claimed.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has confirmed it is considering the move under the Unfair Dismissals Act if any teachers on their second, third or fourth non-permanent contract are replaced with those on their first contract and not protected under the act.

Speaking on the final day of the union’s annual convention, ASTI industrial relations officer Bernard Moynihan said there is growing concern the Department of Education “may try to dislodge” or “redeploy” these workers from potentially permanent posts to save money.