Outsider drafted in to resolve Junior Cycle row

An independent figure is to be brought in to try to bring a resolution to the ongoing dispute between the Department of Education and second-level teachers over Junior Cycle reforms.

Following another round of talks with the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (Asti) and Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) leaders, the Department of Education confirmed Dr Pauric Travers, former president of St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, would act as the independent chair of the negotiations.

A department spokesman said all parties agreed that the process should aim to conclude within the coming weeks. He said the terms of reference for the negotiations would be agreed over the coming days.

After sitting down with the unions yesterday, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan said: “There was common consensus around the objectives of Junior Cycle reform and both unions have agreed to enter a process that will discuss outstanding issues.”

However, there is no guarantee that any agreement can be reached in that timeframe, particularly given the strong views of the unions on questions around assessment of students and other issues.

Both unions have a mandate to call strikes in second-level schools if the issue is not resolved, although neither has suggested that power will be invoked in the near future. Since April, they have been on industrial action in the form of non-cooperation with teaching new short courses, training, school meetings or other activities relating to the Junior Cycle Student Award, for which they would be expected to mark their own students.