Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
253. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently examine matters in respect of pension entitlements (details supplied) for school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38570/26]
View answer256. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update as of May 2026 on negotiations on the provision of pensions and leave entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38683/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 256 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. 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.
