Junior Cycle reform talks to resume next week

Talks aimed at resolving the dispute over Junior Cycle reform, between teachers unions and the Department of Education, are due to resume next week.

Independent chairman Dr Pauric Travers, told the Education Minister in a letter today, that it is clear that both parties remain deeply divided, but he recommended that direct talks should resume.

Teachers from the ASTI and TUI held a one-day strike last month, after previous discussions broke down over plans for teachers to correct part of their own students work.

A second day of action is planned by the unions for the 22nd of January.