This afternoon, Jan O'Sullivan discussed progression in the talks over junior cert reform talks.

The Education Minister told Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy that she was willing to sign up to proposals put forward by Dr Pauric Travers but that teachers and unions have looked for further negotiations.

“We had 40 hrs of talks and I agreed to the independent chairperson Dr Travers whose name was suggested by the unions.

The unions have looked for further, what they call, intensive negotiations.”

When asked what would happen to teachers and unions if they didn't comply, the Minister said:"I don't want to put a gun to anyone's head at the moment. I've made the decision to move forward with this because it needs to be done.

"We cannot be talking forever. I expect teachers to comply."

Earlier, the Tánaiste appealed to teachers to accept a plan for junior cert reform saying the Education Minister has been more than generous.

That's despite teachers unions rejecting the compromise plan drafted by the independent expert, Dr Pauric Travers.

Joan Burton says this reform is needed after 40 years of little change:

The Teachers Union of Ireland is appealing for further negotiations on the proposals.

TUI President Gerry Quinn says they cannot put the current plan to a ballot: