Govt has back-up plan for exams as ASTI prepare to strike

A plan has reportedly been drawn up to run the Leaving Certificate exams without striking ASTI teachers, as the bitter row looks set to escalate. It is being claimed a back-up plan has been in preparation for months and is almost ready to roll.

When it comes to industrial rows, it does not come much bitter than the teachers pay dispute that has been hitting classrooms for two months now. When the leadership of the ASTI meets on Saturday, it will consider whether to go ahead with a threat to pull out of exam work from February 3rd. Teachers are also expected to resume their stoppages in two weeks time. However, according to the Irish Independent, the Government has been preparing for the possibility of the Leaving Certificate being targeted and have a back-up plan to ensure exams, in particular the written sections, go ahead as normal. There would be some delay in the issuing of results, but it is understood the back-up plan would see a later start to the college year in the autumn to allow for this.