Education Minister Richard Bruton has described next month’s planned strike action by teachers as unnecessary.

ASTI members are due to walk off the job next week for the first of 7 days of strike action, in a dispute over pay for new teachers.

Further talks aimed at averting the industrial action – between the ASTI and the Department of Education – will take place on Monday.

Education Minister is Richard Bruton says ASTI members need to take another look at the deal which is on offer to newer members of the teaching profession.

“I think this is a dispute that is unnecessary,” he said.

“We have a very substantial deal on offer, particularly for young teachers.

“For example, a young teacher who is recruited last September will, under this agreement, get a 22% pay increase.

“So there’s a very substantial pay increase available, similarly for a teacher recruited this September.”