Talks between officials from the Education Department and the ASTI are taking place again today to discuss junior cycle reform.

It follows last week’s strike by the union, which represents 18,000 secondary scool teachers – in their dispute over pay and conditions.

Members are due to withdraw from supervision and substitution duties when schools return from mid-term break next week unless a resolution can be found.

One of the main sticking points for the ASTI in the overall dispute is the restoration of pay for new teachers, which is due to be done under the Lansdowne Road Agreement; teachers want it to happen now.