Secondary teachers said last night they would "consider" an appeal from school managers to allow Leaving Certificate students attend classes next week as a "gesture of goodwill".
The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) on Tuesday begins three consecutive days of supervision withdrawal, with classes for most pupils being cancelled. It is the longest period of disruption so far.
The managers said last night ASTI could restore a "minimal form" of cover for Leaving Certificate students during the three days without damaging their campaign. They have sent a letter to ASTI making this appeal.
After a meeting of ASTI's standing committee last night, its general secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon, said it would "consider" the appeal, but further discussions needed to take place today. He said he could not guarantee that exam students would eventually be exempted.
Leaving Certificate students are currently well advanced in their courses and many will be sitting mock exams within a few months. They could be hit further if ASTI withdraws its co-operation from the State exams.
"Such a gesture of goodwill on the part of the ASTI would be a recognition of the particular needs and difficulties being experienced by the Leaving Certificate exam students and would be seen as a positive initiative," said a joint statement from their associations, the Joint Managerial Board and the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools.
The school managers also said the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, and officials from the Department of Finance, should "commence talks directly with the ASTI".