The Teachers' Union of Ireland has joined the debate over the introduction of a new science syllabus in secondary schools.
The union has demanded a capital investment programme for schools which do not have proper laboratory facilities to carry out practical work.
Earlier, Education Minister Noel Dempsey rejected criticism of his proposals to introduce the syllabus from September from another teachers' union, the ASTI.
He said that it would be better if the new science syllabus was implemented in all schools, but accepts that is not possible.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, the Minister said the ASTI should not be issuing directives to its members to prevent the new syllabus from being implemented in schools where implementation would be possible.
Mr Dempsey said that it is in the best interests of students that this course be implemented.
He said that he is not sure that the standing committee of the ASTI are speaking for teachers, as some science teachers he has met are in favour of implementing the new syllabus.
