Parents Council: Teachers unions should have reached Junior Cycle agreement

Teachers unions are being urged to reach a consensus on Junior Cycle reform with the Government.

Almost 350,000 students are being forced to stay at home tomorrow as second-level teachers strike in a row over Junior Certificate reforms.

The ASTI and TUI held further talks on the issue of Junior Cert. reform with Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan last week.

Tomorrow's industrial action follows a similar work stoppage in December and teachers unions have also warned of at least one more stoppage in the weeks ahead.

Rose Tully, Former president of the National Parents Council Post Primary, says all sides need to reach a consensus on the issue.

She said: "I actually believe there has been time spent in negotiation and a consensus should be reached by now.

"The Minister has certainly given some ground and we have welcomed that, but it is time really for people to sit down.

"And I would appeal to the management body of the National Parents Council to encourage teachers to sit down and to reach a consensus on this."