The education minister has expressed a willingness to open talks with secondary school teachers regarding the ongoing industrial action, but disruption to classes is likely to continue. 

Discussing the issue this weekend (October 19th), Ruairi Quinn stated he is happy to speak with the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) regarding education matters but is unable to discuss the terms and conditions of the Haddington Road Agreement, which regards teachers' pay and was rejected by the ASTI earlier this year.

ASTI general secretary Pat King welcomed the minister's comments and claimed a resolution could be possible. 

He said the union wants to address certain aspects of the Haddington Road Agreement that "won't cost the state anything", as well as other important education issues.

However, disruption is likely to continue until any talks take place, as the ASTI's ban on meetings outside of school hours means schools are having to cancel classes and hold meetings with parents during normal teaching hours.

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