INTO teachers vote down motion to reject pay-and-reform plan

An emergency motion calling on national school teachers to reject the public sector pay and reform deal has been narrowly defeated.

Three hundred and eight delegates attending the Irish National Teachers Organisation conference in Galway voted against the proposal, with 304 in favour.

The debate on the issue was held behind closed doors.

Earlier, the Tánaiste and new Education Minister warned teachers that the sector will not be immune from further cuts.

However Mary Coughlan believes the Croke Park proposal brokered by trade union leaders and the Government last week represents a reasonable basis to move forward.