The Education Minister Richard Bruton has expressed his disappointment after the ASTI announced it will ballot its members on industrial action.

The union, which represents more than 18,000 second level teachers, made the decision yesterday.

Members will be balloted on industrial action - up to and including strike action - over new teachers' pay.

They will also be asked to vote on withdrawal from supervision and substitution duties.

The results are expected by mid-October.

Minister Bruton says it is "regrettable that the ASTI seems determined to pursue a route of confrontation rather than dialogue".