Galway is playing hosting to the annual conference of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation this week at the Galmont Hotel.
The INTO conference is being attended roughly 850 delegates who represent 43,000 primary school teachers from the across the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Pay restoration, industrial relations, a shortage of teachers and school conditions are some of the items that look to dominate the agenda over the next three days.
The conference will also play host to guest from around the world “representing the global trade union movement.” from Monday through to Wednesday.
INTO President Joe Killeen opened proceeding by saying that the union would fight for equal pay for new members through negotiation, court challenge, or strike action.
Mr Kileen also said that schools are facing a crisis in funding, and called for class sizes to be restored to 2009 levels.
On the INTOs lobby campaign, President Joe Killeen tells our politicians to trust us to deliver the very best, with your support. #INTOCongress19 pic.twitter.com/wvR6zWMxVV
— INTO (@INTOnews) April 22, 2019
Minister for Education Joe McHugh will address the conference, announcing ahead of time the creation of new substitute teachers panels in Galway and elsewhere to address concerns of shortages.
The three day event at the Galmont Hotel will close on Wednesday evening.