INTO vows to continue campaigning against cuts

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) is vowing to continue campaigning against cuts in the primary school sector.

The union's delegates gave Education Minister Batt O'Keefe a frosty reception at their annual conference in Co Donegal this morning.

A small number walked out of the room during the minister's address, while others held up signs expressing opposition to the public-sector pension levy and calling for the retention of special needs classes.

The minister said he understood the teachers' frustration, but defended the decisions the Government had taken to plug the massive black hole in the public finances.

However, INTO general secretary John Carr said the minister should be fighting to ensure that young children are not forced to suffer in order to rectify the economic situation.