Teachers plan for strike ahead of fresh junior cycle reform talks

Fresh talks over the junior cycle reform dispute will take place next week but teachers still plan for now to strike the following week.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) say a significant breakthrough would have to be found in order for them to call off their closure of 720 second-level schools on January 22.

The man who will chair the talks next Wednesday says major differences remain between the unions and the Department of Education after meeting separately with both sides yesterday.

In a letter to Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Pauric Travers said: “It is clear that the parties remain deeply divided. However, notwithstanding the very significant differences which exist, I am of the view that it is desirable that direct talks should resume.”

The unions have not responded positively to the minister’s call on them to postpone or cancel the strike. In notices on their websites and being posted to schools, ASTI and TUI members have been told the strike would go ahead.