The Minister for Education Richard Bruton has slammed the recent decision by secondary school teachers to undertake strike action saying it is highly unnecessary.
Mr Bruton’s comments come as a number of secondary schools nationwide will see widespread disruption next as teachers will leave their posts in an effort to receive better pay and conditions.
Speaking about the industrial action, Mr Bruton said the planned action is avoidable and that teachers should really rethink the current offer already made by the Department of Education.
Mr Bruton told reporters: “I think this is a dispute that is unnecessary.” “We have a very substantial deal on offer, particularly for young teachers. “For example, a young teacher who is recruited last September will, under this agreement, get a 22% pay increase.
“So there’s a very substantial pay increase available, similarly for a teacher recruited this September,” he added.