Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
511. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department is actively engaging with unions and school management bodies to resolve the ongoing dispute relating to school secretaries and caretakers; whether all reasonable steps are being taken to reach agreement and avoid further disruption to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5942/26]
View answerSchool secretaries and caretakers are at the heart of the school and are the key interface between students, parents, school leaders and other staff. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable. In supporting these vital school staff members, we also support the school community as a whole.
My Department has been engaging with Fórsa and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation over the past number of months under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to a number of claims including a claim for a comparable pension entitlement.
The matter was referred to the Labour Court and a hearing took place on 12th January 2026. Both parties await the recommendation of the Court. The parties remain in process, and my department remains committed and ready to engage with Fórsa to reach a resolution on this important matter.
As with any industrial relations process, where engagement is sensitive and complex, the matters under discussion are confidential until this process concludes.
