Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
105. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps he will take to ensure equality of terms and conditions for school secretaries and caretakers with other public sector workers, if he will meaningfully re-engage with a trade union (details supplied) in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70616/25]
View answer149. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if he will provide the funding for school secretaries and caretakers to access a fair and secure pension, on a par with their colleagues in the public service, and for recognition of past service, through an appropriate gratuity or equivalent measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70615/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 149 together.
School 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.
