Minister for Education invites union to return to Leaving Cert talks
In a statement, the Department of Education said that the Minister has 'reaffirmed her strong belief that the process of confidential engagement' with all stakeholders agreed last Friday remains the best forum to advance discussions. File Picture: Julien Behal
The Minister for Education has invited the country’s largest second-level teachers’ union to enter back into discussions about plans for this year’s Leaving Cert after it pulled out of talks yesterday.
"Constructive" talks between Norma Foley with both the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) were held on Friday, following a breakdown over plans for the Leaving Cert yesterday.
The ASTI withdrew from discussions on planning for the 2021 State exams on Thursday night.
In a statement, the Department of Education said that following talks today, the Minister has “reaffirmed her strong belief that the process of confidential engagement” with all stakeholders agreed last Friday remains the best forum to advance discussions.
“Minister Foley expressed her confidence that the collective wisdom of all stakeholders can ensure that a pathway forward can be found.
"Discussions will continue throughout the weekend.
“The Minister again reiterated her commitment to providing clarity and certainty to students at the earliest possible time.”
Following the talks earlier today, ASTI said it had "constructive engagement" with Norma Foley and her officials.
"More work is being done with a view to finding a resolution to the impasse," the ASTI said in a statement, adding that it would not be commenting further at this time.
