The teachers' dispute is coming at a particularly difficult time for students - according to the Education Minister who says the action by the ASTI is bitterly disappointing.

Some 400 schools are closed today on health and safety grounds, as ASTI members are refusing to work supervision and substitution duties.

The Union says they're owed for the work, and blames the Department of Education for schools' closure.

Meanwhile, the Garda Representative Association is meeting again today to consider Friday's strike, as a split emerges among the Central Executive Committee.

Juliette Gash reports;