Recognising the vitally important role of secretaries and caretakers within school communities, I and my officials have been working intensively with stakeholders, with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to establish a platform for meaningful discussion and resolution. I believe that all parties have a responsibility to make sure that these talks succeed and that both sides must come together with an open mind without preconditions or preconceived ideas of a final outcome.
Officials from my Department are engaging with Fórsa under the auspices of the WRC to progress this matter. This is a confidential process, and as with any industrial relations process the matters under discussion are confidential.