The ASTI president has accused the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, of demoralising the teaching profession and leaving them feeling undervalued, writes Seán Flynn, Education Editor
In a scathing critique, Mr Pat Cahill, said the Minister had established little rapport with teachers. "He has left us feeling demoralised and alienated."
Mr Cahill said there was still "seething anger" among teachers about the decision to send in inspectors to check on them two days before Christmas.
"His decision to send in a hit squad shows the lack of trust that exists between this Minister and teachers. But where will the inspectors be when teachers are taking students to sports, drama and other activities in their own time?" he asked.
Mr Cahill said the decision was a "gross misuse" of the Department of Education inspectorate and still rankled with every teacher in the State. He said the pre-Christmas inspections were part of a pattern where the Minister appeared intent on undervaluing the work and the contribution of teachers.
Meanwhile, Mr Cahill said his priority as ASTI president was to highlight what he called the "scourge of binge-drinking" among young people. He said there was a virtual epidemic of binge-drinking but Irish society was refusing to acknowledge this - let alone address it.
Tomorrow's ASTI conference will be addressed by former GAA president, Dr Mick Loftus, who has been a vocal critic of the drink culture.
Mr Cahill defended his decision to investigate complaints of bogus expenses by former ASTI general secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon.
Mr Lennon, who vehemently denied any wrongdoing, received a €200,000 settlement in his High Court action against the ASTI late last year.
Mr Cahill also defended his controversial remarks that the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, was a key figure in a "booze and birds" culture who spent much of his time opening pubs.
"It was something which was intended to be light-hearted. But I meant absolutely no personal offence and would regret if any was taken.
"I was talking about how the idealism of previous generation has given way to a new kind of celebrity-style. I was pilloried over a simple statement. Have we lost our sense of humour in this country?"
Mr Dempsey will address the ASTI conference tomorrow after the union agreed to changes in the format of its convention last week.