Some 85 primary schools in the north-west are to close today as principals and teachers take strike action over the lack of resources for care-taking and secretarial services in schools.
It is the second in a series of strikes in protest at the Department of Education's failure to invest in supports for principals. In a statement last night, the Department said the strike could not be justified "against the background of major advances in primary education over a very short period".
It said the Minister for Education, Mr Martin, recognised the need for further supports but "these can only be introduced in the context of the full range of issues facing primary education and normal industrial relations procedures".
Senator Joe O'Toole, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, said the INTO had deferred strike action on more than three occasions "on the basis of promises from the Minister which were never carried through. There is no question we have followed all the proper procedures but he is not willing to do so."
Tuam, Co Galway will be worst affected, with 29 schools closing and 133 teachers on strike. Some 25 schools will close in west Co Mayo, 18 in the Belmullet area and 13 in Buncrana, Co Donegal.
More than 450 teachers and principals will participate in the walk-out. Co Sligo is the only area in which only principals will be on strike, meaning schools there will remain open.
The action forms part of a campaign for the implementation of recommendations of the report by a working group on principals.
