Talks between teachers and the Department of Education on junior cycle reforms have broken down.

The Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says secondary teachers rejected new proposals that included a final exam in 3rd year, accounting for 60% of junior cycle marks to be marked by the State Exams Commission.

Teachers had previously been highly critical of the fact that they would be responsible for marking their own pupils.

Ms O'Sullivan said under the proposals, classroom teachers would only be responsible for 40% of the marks, with the State Exams Commission responsible for marking the remainder.

She restated her commitment to reforming the exams.

"These are extensive changes designed to retain the progressive elements of reform while addressing concerns expressed by the teaching profession. It is regrettable that the second-level teaching unions have failed to engage positively with the proposal," Ms O'Sullivan said.

"I am convinced that the framework I put forward at these talks will result in a better educational experience for students at second level, while also respecting the concerns of teachers regarding reform."

"I am still willing to engage with teaching unions on this reformed framework. However, the breakdown of these talks will not scupper the much-needed reform of the junior cycle. Over the coming weeks I will be looking at how that agenda is advanced and I would ask the second-level teaching unions to re-engage on what is a fair basis for agreement," she added.