Q&A: Studying the complex issues behind teacher action

The biggest difficulties from the two ASTI industrial actions announced last night will be caused by its 18,000 members refusing to do supervision and substitution work. The background, and complex issues involved, are set out here by Education Correspondent Niall Murray

What schools are affected?

It will certainly be an issue at all 375 voluntary secondary schools, those owned and run by, or on behalf of, religious orders. They account for just over half the country’s 735 second-level schools, with around 193,000 students, and their staff who are union members are affiliated to the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).