Strikes loom as session of talks between teachers and Department ends without agreement

The ASTI has said that Thursday's strikes are set to go ahead after talks with the Department of Education failed to reach agreement.

The union, which represents around 17,000 teachers, has agreed to further talks on Wednesday.

ASTI vice president Ger Curtin says parents should expect that schools to close on Thursday.

"Go ahead and plan for Thursday at the moment because, as the man says, there is no indication as of now that there will be a breakthrough and we will resolve this," he said.

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"Now, it would be nice to think that we would get to a stage, either tomorrow or around Wednesday, where we would be able to say that we have something sorted on this.

"But as of the moment, I would say to people that Thursday, as of now, goes ahead."

The Department of Education and Skills confirmed that talks will resume on Wednesday.

"The Department of Education and Skills held discussions with the ASTI today on issues of concern," a spokesman said.

"It was agreed that a further meeting would be held on Wednesday.

"The Department will also meet the ASTI tomorrow to discuss Junior Cycle Reform.

"Department officials have remained in regular contact with the school management bodies on contingency arrangements ahead of the withdrawal of supervision and substitution from 7th November.

"A further meeting with the school management bodies is planned tomorrow.

"However, at this stage it remains the case that widespread school closures are expected from the 7th November due to ASTI's non-cooperation with contingency."