Government to offer teachers new deal

The Government is expected to offer payments of €1,300 to members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the Teachers Union of Ireland in an effort to avert further industrial conflict in schools.

The two unions are currently in dispute with Education Minister Michael Woods and the Government over payment for substitution and supervision duties.

To help avoid strike action, the Department of Education has now offered these once-off payments, despite saying previously that such a move would breach the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

In addition, the department has agreed to a €2 increase in its original offer of €34-per-hour for supervision and substitution and has agreed to make this income pensionable.