Teacher unions agree to hear junior cycle proposals

Proposals for a deal in the ongoing row over the junior cycle will be considered by teacher unions after their leaders agreed to changes in the terms of talks seeking to find a resolution.

However, the executives of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) stressed that any proposals which talks chairman Pauric Travers may suggest can only be made as the basis for further discussions with the Department of Education, rather than being for binding recommendation.

The unions also say they must make further representations to Mr Travers, to clarify their joint position on the issues, before he can formulate any proposals.