Talks possible between Quinn and secondary school teachers

The possibility of talks between Education Minister Ruairi Quinn and secondary school teachers has been opened but parents still face disruption from ongoing industrial action next week.

The minister said he is willing to have discussions about education issues of concern to the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI). Its members will force many schools to close early for parent-teacher meetings from next week due to the union ban on after-school attendance. But the time needed to establish the issues for discussion means no formal talks will begin until after the mid-term break.

“I’ve made it very clear... that I can talk to [the ASTI] about education matters. I can’t talk to them about the terms and conditions of the Haddington Road Agreement,” said Mr Quinn.