After a year of dispute and strikes, unions and employers have reached agreement on a new pay and conditions deal for primary school teachers and support staff.

The deal, which comes into effect on January 1, gives staff a pay rise of 4.5%, a one-off payment of 33% of their monthly salary and a one-off bonus of €875.

Despite the agreement, unions say strikes planned for the end of January will still go ahead as the campaign for a structural increase in funding for primary education continues.

The government had set aside a structural increase of €285m and one-off payment of €150m for primary schools but that cash is all going to fund the pay increases, broadcaster NOS said.

Teachers are calling for a structural increase in funding to reduce the pressure on teaching staff and increase salaries, as schools report record shortages of teachers.

On November 6, over 4,000 primary, secondary and special schools were closed as teachers nationwide went on strike in support of more pay and better working conditions.