The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) President says he is confident further strike action can be avoided in secondary schools.

Teachers are striking next Tuesday after talks over Junior Cert reform broke down without agreement last week.

The main sticking point is the requirement for teachers to assess their own students exams.

The Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says there needs to be some movement by teachers, because she has already moved from 100% assessment in schools to 40%.

TUI President Gerry Quinn is hopeful further action can be averted:

The proposed reform of the Junior Cert by Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan includes increased continuous assessment.

Last week teachers rejected new proposals that included a final exam in third year - accounting for 60% of junior cycle marks to be marked externally.

Jan 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 rest.

With no agreement reached between the Department and unions, a strike will now take place on Tuesday.

Gerry Quinn spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about next week's strike, which he said is "an action of last resort":

Jan O'Sullivan also spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the strike. Ivan asked the Education Minister whether issues such as resources, capacity in schools and austerity cuts are a factor in the unions' decision to strike:

She also discussed the need for junior cycle reform:

Originally posted at 8.47am