Education Minister hits out at union

The Education Minister Michael Woods has criticised the ASTI for rejecting the Labour Court offer without allowing teachers to vote on it.

Dr Woods said the union's leadership seems to want to bully students, parents and the government into accepting it pay claim.

He has also confirmed that the Leaving and Junior Certificate exams will go ahead as scheduled.

The Minister has instructed officials to begin recruiting personnel to replace teachers as exam supervisors and to put in place an alternative panel of examiners.

Oral exams and some practical tests have also been rescheduled.