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STATEMENT BY MINISTER JAN O’SULLIVAN, TD Minister for Education and Skills 17th March 2016 FURTHER ASTI STRIKE ACTION IS UNWARRANTED AND REGRESSIVE
Commenting on the decision of the ASTI executive to announce a series of one day strikes beginning in September Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan said:
“I am deeply disappointed that the ASTI has chosen to threaten further inconvenience to students and parents through a series of one day strikes over junior cycle reform.
“I have made it clear to the ASTI that my door was open to clarify any issues regarding the arrangements for much needed Junior Cycle reform that are now being implemented. Unfortunately the ASTI is closing the door on that process. The new Junior Cycle arrangements had been agreed with the leadership of both unions following long and intensive engagement. ASTI’s previous concerns over teachers assessing their own students for State certification purposes have been addressed. Unfortunately, ASTI has now unilaterally decided on a course of action that will damage students’ interests. The continuing non-cooperation of ASTI members with elements of the new arrangements is already disadvantaging current Junior Cycle students of English who are undertaking the new programme in first and second year. It is unacceptable that ASTI now intend to extend this policy into the next school year.
“Given the recent election result it will fall to a new administration to decide policy in relation to this escalation. However, Junior Cycle reform is long overdue and is now underway. The new Junior Cycle is designed to develop and do justice to the range of talents and abilities of young students in a way that the old model cannot do. The revised Junior Cycle proposals, which have been accepted by the TUI, will deliver much-needed improvement in the teaching and learning experience of students at this vital stage of their development. It has been widely welcomed as a hugely positive development for our education system. ASTI simply cannot justify its continuing attempt to undermine it. Embarking on strike action that will only serve to damage and disadvantage young students is unwarranted and regressive.