I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 262 together.
I am fully aware that the industrial action by the ASTI has resulted in the loss of eight days teaching for the vast majority of second level students. I am also deeply concerned that the ASTI are continuing with another strike on 14 December with further industrial action threatened for January 2001.
I fully appreciate the hardship being caused to parents and students by the ASTI action and the anxiety the disruption of normal teaching is causing for parents and students, especially students sitting examinations.
I have written to the ASTI yesterday outlining my views on the dispute and inviting them to meet me so that we can find a way to resolve this dispute in a mutually acceptable and satisfactory way in the interests of the students.
Questions Nos. 259, 260 and 261 withdrawn.
Question No. 262 taken with Question No. 258.