SCHOOLS in Ireland could close after teachers voted to strike unless the government takes measures to deal with Covid-19 in the classroom, with a deadline to address the issues ending on Friday. 

Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (Asti) balloted in favour of action, including stoppages, if ministers fail to address concerns including “the need for a comprehensive testing programme, rapid testing and turnaround, and appropriate resources for schools.”

Teachers also supported industrial action over lower pay rates in place for more recent entrants to the profession “to be taken in conjunction with one or both of the other teacher unions.”

The Department of Education said it had secured €375 million to fund various measures including enhanced cleaning, building modification, recruitment of additional staff and the provision of personal protective equipment.

It said that health precautions were proving very effective in suppressing transmission in schools.

But outbreaks of Covid-19 in Irish secondary schools have increased, with 46 new outbreaks in a week – bringing the total to 126 – up to midnight last Saturday, according to new surveillance-centre data.

Asti general secretary Kieran Christie said that strikes would be a last resort – the union wanted engagement with the Department of Education and health authorities, and did not wish to see schools close.

Asti President Ann Piggott said: “Asti members are clearly stating that they want schools to remain open for students during this pandemic.

“They are demanding that the government step up and provide 24-hour test turnaround, a redefinition of close contacts for school settings, a comprehensive testing programme and appropriate arrangements for teachers categorised as ‘high risk.’

“We must be supported in sustaining education for our children and young people.”

The union warned that schools are facing staff shortages, with teachers forced to self-isolate while waiting for the results of coronavirus tests. In some cases there are delays of up to a week, Ms Piggott said.

Concerns have grown over schools remaining open after the country moved into a nationwide Tier 5 lockdown last week.

“Teachers are very fearful – they would like schools opened in a safe way,” Ms Piggott said.

The government has ruled out extending the half-term holiday by a week.

It said a national network of new school teams, to be led by public-health professionals and supported by education officials, would be established when schools return on November 2.