Further strike looms as talks fail to resolve exam reform row

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan says the junior cycle reform dispute will not be advanced by another strike by teachers that looks almost certain to go ahead at 720 second-level schools next week.

Two hours of talks between unions, Ms O’Sullivan and Department of Education officials failed to bring resolution any nearer.

The row has already seen schools shut six weeks ago by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).