merrion street

I am disappointed with the outcome of ASTI’s ballot on the comprehensive proposals put forward by the Teachers’ Conciliation Council.

I note the decision made by the members of the union to reject the proposals and in consequence, to reject the Lansdowne Road Agreement. It is regrettable that many ASTI members will now suffer permanent financial losses and loss of other benefits as a result of this choice.

As I have stated previously, the proposals represented the final outcome of the process and there will be no further offer made to ASTI. The Government is committed to continuing to work with unions inside the agreement in progressing consideration of pay and conditions issues. The work of the Public Service Pay Commission is now underway.

I want to reassure students and parents that the new Junior Cycle programme is proceeding in schools. Implementation plans are not impacted by the outcome of this ballot. Schools have been notified of a second calendar window in the 2016/17 school year to allow for the completion and submission of the Junior Cycle English Assessment Task by students who were prevented from meeting the initial deadline. The interests, rights and wellbeing of students must be paramount.