Ministers have criticised the decision by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) to pull out of talks on the Leaving Cert last night but welcomed plans to resume exploratory negotiations today. Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said it was “beyond unhelpful” anyone would walk away from the process. He said when it comes to the issue of the Leaving Cert “the most sense has come from the mouths of the students”, adding “they need clarity. Mr Collins questioned why a participant in the talks would “walk away without giving any advanced notification”. He said the ASTI has not been asked to give up it midterm break, reduce Easter holidays or push the Leaving Cert into July.

Source: The Irish Times February 12, 2021 12:05 UTC