Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
130. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the ongoing discussions in relation to pay parity and pensions for caretakers and secretaries; if a resolution has been reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40809/26]
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 and the Labour Court in relation to a number of claims, including a claim for a comparable pension entitlement.
The matter of comparable pension entitlement 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.
