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.

On the 11th December last Minister O’Sullivan asked Dr. Pauric Travers to meet with both the Department of Education and Skills and the Teacher Unions to see if ground existed for a further round of talks in relation to implementation of Junior Cycle reform.

In his letter Mr. Travers states that “It is clear that the parties remain deeply divided. However, notwithstanding the very significant differences which exist, I am of the view that it is desirable that direct talks should resume.”

Mr. Travers has offered to chair talks and arrangements are being made to secure a date for talks next week.

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.