Third-level teachers approve new pay deal

The union representing third-level teachers has voted to accept the Haddington Road pay deal.

The Irish Federation of University Teachers has ratified the deal, which aims to cut €300m from the public pay bill this year.

The ballot means the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland is the only union whose members have voted against the deal.

Its executive is meeting this afternoon to decide on the form of industrial action it will pursue.

Founding President of the University of Limerick Ed Walshe says the threat of industrial action is "outrageous" given the fact that Irish teachers "have the highest remuneration in the developed world for the shortest teaching year."