Vol. 543 No. 2
812 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of negotiations with the teachers' unions regarding their pay claim and allowance for supervision; if he will ensure that pupils will not lose school days as a result of the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26432/01]
A final formal offer on payment for supervision and substitution was put to the three teacher unions last month. The Irish National Teachers Organisation is currently balloting on the offer, the Teachers Union of Ireland has rejected the offer and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland has recently put some points to my Department for clarification. The three teacher unions have indicated that they wish to have further discussions with my Department. Officials from my Department will continue to meet with the teacher unions as necessary to clarify any aspects of the offer. There is no immediate threat of industrial action by the teacher unions in relation to this issue.
