Taoiseach urges teachers to reflect on action threat

The Taoiseach has appealed to 17,000 secondary school teachers to “reflect very seriously” on their decision to withdraw from meetings with parents and other duties “at this time of economic challenge for our country”.

Enda Kenny insisted there would be no changes to a pay and conditions deal struck with public sector workers, despite its rejection by the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI).

“Let me be very clear: The Haddington Road Agreement will not be renegotiated,” he told the Dáil, adding that the ASTI should “consider the cost to their members” of being outside the deal.