The executive councils of both secondary teachers unions are locked in talks this afternoon to decide if they will accept a compromise plan.

It was put forward by Dr Pauric Travers and includes a proposal that the junior cycle would be split into two parts, with one marked by the State Exams Commission and the other by teachers.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says she's hopeful teaching unions will see the latest plan for Junior Cert reform is fair - but says it will ultimately be her decision to proceed with it.