Minister welcomes move by ASTI to rejoin talks on Leaving Cert The ASTI said that its concerns had been addressed by Minister for Education Norma Foley. By Lauren Boland Saturday 13 Feb 2021, 2:53 PM Feb 13th 2021, 12:34 PM 21,549 Views 77 Comments Image: PA Updated Feb 13th 2021, 2:53 PM THE ASSOCIATION OF Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has rejoined talks with the Department of Education on this year’s Leaving Certificate after pulling out earlier this week. The union is reentering the talks after receiving assurances from Minister for Education Norma Foley on several of its concerns. Teachers will not be asked to rank their students in order of merit, which was a requirement last year, the union was told.