The Government's handling of the teachers' strike will be put under the spotlight in the Dail this week by Fine Gael when it will demand that immediate negotiations open with striking teachers, writes Mark Hennessy, Political Reporter.
Fine Gael has decided to use its own Dail time for the debate, said Mr Michael Creed, the FG TD for Cork North West. "The Government must be held to account for its inept handling of the dispute."
However, the motion, which will be voted on late on Wednesday, also calls on the ASTI to co-operate immediately with the holding of the Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations.
Parents, teachers and pupils were now expressing anger and frustration at the indifference of the Government, said Mr Creed. "It is truly shocking to see that the Taoiseach's priority for these young people in the face of a looming disaster that will affect their very future is to fast-track legislative proposals for a second U2 concert in Slane."
Acknowledging the contribution of social partnership to the economy, Mr Creed, the party's education spokesperson, said Fine Gael was not advocating a departure from the PPF.