Quinn warns of frontline cuts if Croke Park is rejected

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has warned teachers that if they reject the Croke Park II proposals, the Government will be forced to hit frontline services.

The warning came as Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) delegates voted overwhelmingly in favour of conducting a ballot for industrial action up to and including a strike if the Government or Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) decide to impose Croke Park II proposals.

Delegates passed the emergency motion which would see members withdraw, with immediate effect, from all measures agreed to in the first Croke Park Agreement if the latest proposals are imposed. Members would also refuse to engage in any measures in Croke Park II and would conduct a ballot for industrial action “up to and including strike action”.