The Teachers' Union of Ireland has decided to implement the new Junior Certificate science syllabus, effectively taking a different stance from its sister organisation, the Association of Teachers in Ireland.
The ASTI, which met Department of Education and Science officials last night, is continuing to insist that implementing the syllabus raises health and safety issues that cannot be addressed without additional resources.
The TUI, however, believes that "significant advances" have been made by the Department, enough to ensure that the syllabus can be safely and successfully taught.
The TUI represents about 20 per cent of science teachers, while the ASTI represents approximately 80 per cent.
TUI president, Mr Derek Dunne, stated last night that his union had secured a commitment from the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, that every school would have laboratory facilities by September 2004.
Grants ranging from €3,500 to €15,000 per laboratory will be given to schools by the Department to upgrade existing facilities.
The TUI agreed with the Department that in the event of disagreement between the Department of Education and a school as to the level of grant to be paid, the matter will be decided by an independent adjudicator.
The TUI has also received an assurance that the full schedule of in-service training for the revised syllabus will be available on September 22nd, and that a significant element of the training will be provided during this academic term.
"The union has also secure commitments regarding risk assessment and safety procedures and is satisfied that the revised syllabus does not represent a threat to the health and safety of students," Mr Dunne stated.
The ASTI remains convinced the new syllabus does pose a health and safety risk due to the hazardous chemicals, glass, flame and other elements involved in implementing the syllabus. The syllabus introduced 30 practical experiments to be conducted by students, who previously learned by observation.
The ASTI is demanding that lab assistants be hired to set up equipment and ensure that it is stored safely. Otherwise, science teachers could not prevent the risk of harm to students, the ASTI believes.