The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn is inviting the secondary teachers unions to talks on the planned replacement to the Junior Cert.
Quinn is adamant the Junior Cycle Student Awards will be phased in from September for incoming first year students.
The TUI and ASTI have withdrawn co-operation from the plan.
Minister Quinn added he will chair the talks himself and they are likely to take place after this year’s State Exams, which start next week.