Quinn heckled and 'red-carded' at INTO conference

The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has been loudly heckled during his speech at the Irish National Teachers Organisation's annual conference in Cork.

Ruairí Quinn called on INTO members to accept the Croke Park II proposals and asked teachers to be brave and consider the schools of the future.

He was shouted down on a number of occasions, as delegates held up red cards.

Minister Quinn said: "I am acutely aware that these proposals are very challenging for your members.

"Organisations, some of whom have no role to play in industrial relations, have unhelpfully sought to undermine the role played by trade unions in negotiating these proposals.

"I respect the democratic decision-making processes of each of the unions, and would call on all other parties to adopt a similar approach.

"While I respect the fact that your ballot is currently underway, you will understand that I have a responsibility as a member of this Government to commend the proposals to you. I await the outcome of your ballot in two weeks’ time.

[comment]Primary school teachers' payscale, from INTO website[/comment]