ASTI: Teachers opposed pay deal over exam changes

The pace at which reforms to replace the Junior Certificate are being adopted is a major factor in secondary teachers’ rejection of the Haddington Road Agreement on public service pay, TDs and senators were told.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) is preparing to ballot members for a second time on the deal, which has been accepted by all other public service unions. Union leaders are recommending a no vote again.

The Oireachtas education committee heard that the complexities of the junior cycle overhaul driven by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn are very difficult to get to grips with.