asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, he is taking to settle the present teachers' strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Teachers' Strike.
296.
On 6 February 1986 the Government, acting in accordance with the provisions of the conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers, sought the approval of Dáil Éireann to implement the recommendation of the Teachers' Arbitration Board that the pay of teachers be increased by 10 per cent, subject to a modification of the recommendation on the phasing of the increase. This proposal was approved by the Dáil.
Since then I had two meetings with representatives of the teacher unions at the which the pay dispute was discussed. These meetings were held on 19 and 28 February 1986. After the meeting of 28 February an agreed statement was issued to the effect that there had been an exchange of views on outstanding issues but that the parties had been unable to resolve their differences of opinion.
On 1 April 1986 I announced that the Government were prepared to appoint a chairman of the Teachers' Arbitration Board. The necessary steps to arrange for the appointment are now being taken. It was the Government's hope that the teacher unions would see this development as a gesture of goodwill.
Finally, I wish to state that I am available for discussions with the unions at all times. I am particularly anxious that the teacher unions should reconsider their declared intention not to volunteer for duties in connection with this year's certificate examinations.