There are fresh hopes of a breakthrough in the long-running teachers' dispute after the ASTI said it was prepared to re-enter talks at the Labour Court.
The union said it wanted a new offer from the talks.
Last night the Minister for Education Dr Woods, said the Government was prepared to take part in new talks in an effort to end the deadlock over the ASTI's 30 per cent pay claim.
Dr Woods said if the talks made progress, he hoped teachers could be back at work in time for the Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations.
Yesterday ASTI general secretary Mr Charlie Lennon sent a letter to the Taoiseach, calling on Mr Ahern to facilitate talks over "an elaboration" of the Labour Court recommendation it rejected a fortnight ago.
Mr Ahern said the Government would be happy to clarify any element of the court's recommendation.
Speaking in the Dáil, he said the ASTI "had better make up their minds" about bench marking and a national pay deal. He stood firm on his stance that there would be no talks outside of the PPF framework.