Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the scheduled teachers' strike on junior certificate reforms. [3371/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I have met with the Teacher Unions and also the other education partners on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister last summer.

In November 2014, I tabled what I believe is a fair and reasonable proposal. The Unions did not accept my proposal but acknowledged that it was significant. After both teacher strikes, in December and last week, I noted that their strike action was disproportionate and unnecessary.

The current dispute will not be resolved on the picket line. It will be resolved, I believe, through dialogue.

In fact, at our latest meeting, on Wednesday 14th January, it was agreed that dialogue was the best way forward, yet the 22 January strike went ahead anyway.

Dr Padraic Travers, who is facilitating the discussions between the Unions and the Department, has contacted both sides and has proposed further talks to commence later this week.

I welcome this opportunity for further dialogue. My Department will engage in these talks in a constructive manner.