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.