Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO)

General Secretary: Senator Joe O'Toole. Membership: 20,580 (Republic); 5,350 (Northern Ireland).

The only teaching union whose leadership is recommending acceptance of the deal. Its general secretary, Senator Joe O'Toole - a vice-president of the ICTU - helped to broker the deal. Balloting now on deal.

Expected outcome: Yes in rural areas, No in Dublin. Strength of Dublin vote will decide.

Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI)

General Secretary: Jim Dorney. Membership: 10,110.

Now balloting its members without any recommendation from the leadership. Left-leaning union which has been tolerant - some would say overly tolerant - of dissident voices. Many in the leadership think the deal is a good one for the teaching profession and for the wider economy. Ballot has just begun.

Expected outcome: Too close to call.

Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI)

General Secretary: Charles Lennon. Membership: 15,200.

Unlikely radicals. Walked out of the pay talks and left the ICTU in row over "early settlers", a dispute about the compensation payment available for those like teachers who settled early in the last pay round. Has now lodged 30 per cent pay claim.

Expected outcome: Waiting on INTO and TUI ballot before deciding on its next move.