INTO calls for debate on public sector funding

There are calls today for a national debate on public services and how they are funded.

The incoming General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation Shelia Noonan has said spending on the public services here is lower than in many other OECD countries.

Ms Noonan said: "There is clearly now a climate of industrial unrest in the country, including a work-to-rule by INTO members."

But she said it is "the direct result of the collapse of social partnership talks and the pay cuts imposed by the Government".