ASTI row 'deadlocked’

The teachers pay row remains deadlocked with the mediator in the dispute saying he has no reason to table any new proposals as there is no hint of movement from either side.

Despite Tom Pomphrett's comments, a fresh push for peace is expected before a meeting of the ASTI leadership on Friday.

Schools in Dublin will be closed tomorrow at the start of nine days of regional stoppages planned before Easter. The rest of Leinster will be hit on Wednesday followed by Munster on Thursday.

In two weeks time, the members of the ASTI will start targeting preparations for the Junior and Leaving Certificate Exams.

The Government is standing firm and refusing to give ground to the teachers, who in turn are looking for the return of pay docked before Christmas.

The weekend also saw reports that the ASTI will want any increase backdated.