Irish teaching unions may call for industrial action this winter as a result of education spending cuts, it has been reported.

According to the Irish Times, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland have "stepped up opposition" to the reduction in the education budget.

"The INTO says it will begin a ballot of teachers for industrial action, up to and including strike action, if talks with the government break down. The ASTI said it also stood ready to ballot members on industrial action in co-ordination with the other teacher unions," the newspaper stated.

John Carr, the general secretary of the INTO last week accused the government of declaring war on the men and women in the public service.

Speaking recently, the Economic and Social Research Institute said that education cuts outlined in the recent An Bord Snip report would have a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged students.

Written by Donal Walsh

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