Fresh hope in teachers' row
There is fresh hope this morning that there may soon be a breakthrough in the teachers' pay dispute. A standing committee at the ASTI decided yesterday to accept the Taoiseach's compromise offer to restore docked pay and it is now hoped they will re-enter talks with the Government.
Mr Ahern's letter said pay docked for days not worked would be repaid to teachers without prejudice if the union agreed to talks, which are expected to get underway next week.
The Minister for Education Michael Woods said, with good will on both sides, the discussions, held under the auspices of the labour relations facilitator Tom Pomphrett, will lead to an equitable and feasible agreement.
In the meantime, the next planned stoppage in the rolling strike is for the Connacht-Ulster region on Tuesday.
