Reversing education cutbacks and tackling other school polices is on the agenda for the new president of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) Brendan Broderick.

Mr Broderick, a science teacher at Dublin's Templeogue College, took up the position yesterday (August 1st) and stated his main aim for the coming 12 months is to ensure the education sector does not have to endure further cutbacks.

He said his "ultimate goal" is to ensure more money goes in to education and noted recent instances of funding being withdrawn have had "a damaging effect on the teaching profession and the education service".

The ASTI is the biggest second-level teaching union in Ireland - representing over 18,000 teachers - and Mr Broderick added he also intends to improve the working lives of those who have recently qualified to teach.

Many teachers are working extra hours under the Croke Park Agreement, with a recent report by the Croke Park Implementation Body revealing 27,000 are spending 33 more hours at work every year than usual.

Written by Donal Walsh

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