THE Minister for Education has insisted there is still time to call off tomorrow’s planned teachers strike which will see 720 schools closed across the country.
Speaking in Limerick earlier Jan O’Sullivan said her door remains open, but admitted as of yet there is no indication from unions of any intention to cancel the one day action over planned reform of the Junior Cert.
The strike will result in 350,000 second-level students staying at home tomorrow with another day of action planned for January.
“I would still invite the unions to engage with me. I made a significant offer in terms of moving 60% of the final exam being state certification as opposed to school certification. Really, I believe the ball is in the court of the unions now and I believe they should come back to the table,” she said.
“I don’t think it’s necessary at all to bring schools out tomorrow and indeed on another day in January which is also being suggested, so I believe it is time to talk,” she added.
When asked if there is still time to call off the action Minister O’Sullivan who was speaking replied:
“There is still a day and certainly if there is any approach from the unions I would be happy to respond to them.
“My door is open but we do need to see some movement from the union side and as of yet there is not indication to me that that is happening,” she admitted.
Unions have said they are resolute and united in their opposition to plans for Junior Cycle reform.
The unions are upset by plans for pupils to be assessed by their own teachers for 40% of their work instead of an external examiner.
The Department of Education said it has moved as far as it can to allay the teachers’ concerns, having moved 60% towards teachers’ demands.
