Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For that reason, the people who stand in front of our classes are absolutely fundamental for the future of our country. The young students who are starting in second year and in the junior certificate need the training of the teachers to be able to deal with the new implications of this. We need to consider the disruption that applies in a practical sense. Parents are now expected to attend meetings during school hours even though this disrupts all of family life. The decision taken by the membership of the ASTI, as a consequence of the standing committee's instruction to members, will have other implications as well. I want to make it clear that the Haddington Road agreement will not be renegotiated. It is clear that the protection of that agreement will not apply to people who choose or wish to stay outside it.

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