Teachers have held protests outside school gates this afternoon.

An estimated 27,000 secondary teachers were engaged in the lunchtime demonstrations against planned Junior Certificate reform.

The protest was organised by the ASTI and TUI, who aim to highlight their increasing opposition to the proposals.

The unions maintain that external assessment will protect standards, equity and quality.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says she intends to proceed with changes to reform of the English syllabus from September.

Breda Lynch a teacher in Dominican College in Donnybrook.

She told Newstalk Lunchtime there has been some agreement, but they still want to see external assessment.

The minister told Newstalk Breakfast earier she has moved considerably on the proposals - and is urging unions to return to the talks table.