Education Minister warns teachers over ferries rally

Teachers have been warned they will be docked pay if they leave work to attend Friday's national day of protest in support of Irish Ferries workers.

In a statement this afternoon, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin ordered all schools to remain open on the day.

Talks are continuing at the Labour Relations Commission between Irish Ferries Management and SIPTU to resolve their bitter dispute.

The National Implementation Body has imposed a deadline of midnight tomorrow for both sides to reach a resolution.

Minister Mary Hanafin said unions have not informed the Department of a work stoppage on Friday.

She said arrangements are being put in place to enable schools to continue to function.

The Minister said deductions from pay must be made in all cases of unauthorised absence from work.

Meanwhile, the Union of Secondary Students has said it is not declaring a national walkout on Friday.

However, it is encouraging students who feel strongly about the Irish Ferries issue personally, to exercise their democratic right to take to the streets and protest.