Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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430. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions being taken to resolve the junior cycle dispute with teachers; if a resolution is imminent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3381/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Reform of the Junior Cycle is important and is a policy priority. One education partner cannot be allowed to block this important reform. The voices of parents, students, school management and other partners are equally important in this debate. They support the fair and reasonable proposal I tabled in talks last November. Their mandate and opinion deserves equal recognition in relation to Junior Cycle reform.

The current dispute with the teacher unions will not be resolved on the picket line. It will be resolved through meaningful negotiation. Dr. Pauric Travers has contacted the teacher unions and myself to propose further talks this week. I welcome this initiative and my Department will engage in these talks in a constructive manner.