Secondary school teachers are to hold a one day strike on December 2nd. Unions made the announcement in the row over junior certificate reforms.

Talks with the Department of Education ended this week after the two sides failed to reach agreement.

Teachers rejected new proposals that included a final exam in third year - accounting for 60% of junior cycle marks to be marked externally.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan said under the proposals, classroom teachers would only be responsible for 40% of the marks, with the State Exams Commission responsible for marking the rest.

She restated her commitment to reforming the exams.

In a statement this afternoon, Ms O'Sullivan said the move to strike was "disappointing and disproportionate."

"It is deeply regrettable that the ASTI and the TUI have decided to embark on a course of action that will disrupt schools and cause serious inconvenience for students and their families. This decision is at variance with the potential for progress on junior cycle reform that is currently on the table," she said.

"Over recent months I have accepted the genuine concerns that many teachers had about the future of the junior cycle. In putting a new offer on the table this week I have gone as far as I can to address those concerns while still maintaining the integrity of junior cycle reform."

"This new offer has the capacity to break the impasse and enable us to move forward and introduce a reformed junior cycle that is in the interests of students. Unfortunately, both unions have decided not to engage and will now embark on unnecessary and disproportionate strike action."

"I wrote to both unions before their meeting today saying that I am willing to engage further at any stage on the basis of the new offer. That offer still stands," Ms O'Sullivan added.

The ASTI General Secretary Pat King told Newstalk Lunchtime this is not something they want to do, but felt it  is necessary.

Meanwhile, members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) have gathered in Armagh later for their annual conference.

The theme of this year's event is 'Quality in Education' and delegates will discuss the changing role of accountability and teacher responsibility in education.

Members are also calling on the government to lift the moratorium on posts of responsibility.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin discussed some of the proposed changes: