According to the Irish Independent, secondary schools teachers across the Republic are threatening strike action over reforms to the junior cycle which Education Minister Jan O' Sullivan insisted last Autumn must be implemented.
In an effort to reinforce their opposition to the reforms which were proposed four years ago, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland are threatening one-day strikes in September which will close up to 500 schools across the State.
In contrast, the Teachers Union of Ireland, also known as the TUI, have accepted the new cycle and are currently in training for the revised curriculum - something which the ASTI have refused to participate in.
The implications of the ASTI's opposition to the new system will be far-reaching, and ultimately result in the establishment of a two-pronged system which will see some schools introduce new subjects at the commencement of the new school year, while others will be closed due to industrial action.
As it stands, approximately one in three schools - those predominantly associated with the TUI - are supporting the reforms which will see the introduction of new subjects and revised assessment systems, however the situation among schools with both ASTI and TUI members is less clear-cut.
If the dispute is not resolved, strike action will take place in nine months time.
