Teachers and Govt discuss pay row

A meeting between teachers' unions and the Government is underway to discuss the row over payment for supervision and substitution.

The ASTI, TUI and INTO are hoping the Government will improve its offer of £27 per hour for the work.

The issue came to the fore during last year’s ASTI dispute, when some schools were forced to close when teachers refused to undertake the duties.

The president of the National Parents Council, Marie Danaswamy, said she hoped parents would be willing to supervise students if no compromise were reached at today’s meeting.

"I know that the ASTI have given assurances that there are not going to be disruptions during the year or at exam time," she said.

"But if parents are asked to do supervision, parents are quite willing to do it," she added.