Education Minister Peter Weir has spoken following the conclusion of the teacher pay negotiations.
He said, “Teachers are essential to the Northern Ireland education system and of course I greatly value the hard work they do.
“However it is no secret that public expenditure is extremely tight, including in the education sector. Management side brought forward a package that was realistic and still allows teaching staff to progress along the pay scale, in addition to a cost of living increase.
“That offer was rejected outright by the unions as were, I understand, earlier and higher offers. Given the speed by which the teaching union’s statements have issued, I assume they had predetermined their response prior to the negotiations concluding. That is very disappointing.
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“My priority is pupils. Today’s young people are Northern Ireland’s future generations and it is therefore appropriate that I focus my efforts there.”
In conclusion the Minister added, “I wait to receive the business case from Management Side. I will then give further consideration to the overall 2016-17 Education Budget position before I make any funding decisions.”



