A formula which could open the way for negotiations in the teachers' dispute is expected to be tabled later today. It is expected the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, (ASTI) will be offered a new process to allow it to pursue its 30 per cent pay demand.
However, the union will not have to take part formally in the benchmarking pay review body, which it opposes.
According to sources, the mediator in the dispute, Mr Tom Pomphrett, will draft a detailed proposal after a further round of discussions this morning. "Nothing can be guaranteed but we look on course to produce something," said one source.
It is thought that the peace formula may not be published until shortly before tomorrow's crucial meeting of the ASTI central executive committee. A meeting of the union's powerful executive or standing committee due to take place today has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning, just before the central committee meets.
One source said last night: "We are not tearing up bench marking to suit the ASTI, but there must be some flexibility."
The other teaching unions - the INTO and the TUI - are using benchmarking to pursue their pay claims. Both are seeking a substantial increase, over and above that flowing from the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
Since Monday, Mr Pomphrett of the Labour Relations Commission has been involved in intensive discussions with leaders of the ASTI and the other teaching unions - the INTO and the TUI are expected to be briefed on the peace formula this morning.
Mr Pomphrett has requested all parties to respect a media blackout on the discussions.
The ASTI leadership hopes to table the new formula at tomorrow's meeting of its 180-member central executive commit tee. It is hoped it will endorse the Pomphrett proposal, which would clear the way for the first substantial negotiations on the ASTI's 30 per cent pay demand since the claim was lodged early last year.
It is thought the ASTI will suspend its campaign of rolling one-day strike action if negotiations begin. However, it is demanding a down payment on any pay award before the Leaving Cert oral exams begin on February 21st.