Almost two thirds of secondary schools nationally will remain closed today as ASTI Teachers withdraw from the supervision of students during break times. 

Most of the schools affected are in the religious-run sector where ASTI membership is concentrated. 

A small number of schools in other sectors will also close due to health and safety grounds.

However, the ASTI says its members are available for normal teaching duties.

 School management bodies have urged both sides to come to a resolution for the sake of the estimated 200,000 students affected.

ASTI teachers insist they are not on strike, just withdrawing from supervision duties. 

But school management bodies say schools are being forced to close as a result, on health and safety grounds. 

ASTI teachers whose schools are closed will not be paid. 

When these schools will be able to open again is unknown

Talks between the ASTI and the Department of Education are continuing but there has been no progress to date.
Education Minister Richard Bruton said he was "very disappointed" that the ASTI was effectively closing hundreds of schools indefinitely, over a dispute which he said essentially relates to just one hour a week of extra duties.

However Diarmaid de Paor, Deputy General Secretary of the ASTI, said the dispute dates back to failed promises by the government.