Education Minister Quinn in for frosty reception as teacher conferences kick off

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is being warned to expect a frosty reception when he addresses the Irish National Teachers Organisation's annual conference in Cork this morning.

It comes as opposition mounts to the Croke Park II proposals among the three main teaching unions - the INTO, TUI and ASTI.

Mr Quinn will address all three teacher unions at their annual conferences this week.

Around 750 INTO delegates have gathered in Cork to discuss a range of issues. The Croke Park II proposals are not officially on the agenda, but are expected to influence the atmosphere at the conference, and the welcome given to Mr Quinn. He is expected at around 9am before travelling to the ASTI's conference in Wexford later today.

INTO delegates voiced their anger at the proposals during a private session last night.

"I will be 100% rejecting the proposals," said one. "I believe public sector workers - teachers, nurses, guards - have given their fair share."

"Personally I will be voting no, and recommending to others that they vote no," said another.

ASTI delegates last night voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion calling for a rejection of the Croke Park II proposals.

The TUI conference will take place tomorrow. That union has already rejected the deal.