Secondary teachers' unions say today's strike action 'is necessary'.
Over 700 secondary schools will be closed today, as the TUI and ASTI stage a one-day strike.
It's part of a row over Department of Education plans to reform the Junior Cert which would see teachers assessing part of their own students' work.
The move results in 350-thousand second-level students staying at home today.
The President of the ASTI, Philip Irwin, says teachers hope discussions can be reopened with the Education Minister once the strike is over:
However the President of the Irish Second Level Students Union, says he doesn't believe today's strike action is necessary.
Craig McHugh says it also comes at a bad time:
