INTO slam 'out of touch' Quinn

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has been accused of being out of touch as he was heckled and faced a red card protest at a teachers’ conference.

About 100 members of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) repeatedly interrupted his address and held aloft messages attacking Government policy.

Mr Quinn told delegates at the primary teachers’ meeting that he understands the difficulties that the new Croke Park deal creates for public sector workers.

“I am acutely aware that these proposals are very challenging for your members,” he said.

“While I respect the fact that your ballot is currently under way, you will understand that I have a responsibility as a member of this Government to commend the proposals to you.”

Incoming president of INTO Brendan O’Sullivan claimed Mr Quinn was out of touch.

“He told us that he was aware that the Croke Park deal was challenging – well, that does not come near to describing the feeling,” Mr O’Sullivan told RTE.

Mr Quinn is addressing the Into conference and also the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland last week overwhelmingly voted against the Croke Park deal. The Into ballot is ongoing while Asti has urged its members to vote against it.

Primary school teachers' payscale, from INTO website.