The Education Minister says talks are underway to address the different pay scales for teachers.

Ruairi Quinn says the situation where newly-qualified teachers are paid less than their colleagues is ‘absolutely unacceptable’.

The INTO, which is holding its annual conference, says some 2000 teachers who qualified after 2011 are on a reduced pay scale.

Secretary General of the Department of Education Sean O’Foghlu says progress is being made for that cohort;