Michael Cahill
Question:206. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to address an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53990/26]
View answerWednesday, 15 July 2026
Questions (206)
Written answers
Chapter 4 of the outgoing Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024–2026 provides for Local Bargaining, a mechanism through which employers and trade unions may agree changes to structures, work practices and conditions of service in return for an agreed local bargaining payment.
A key part of the local bargaining process, agreed between the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) and the Public Services Committee of ICTU, is that parties at sectoral level agree reform measures known as ‘management priorities’ in return for payment of agreed local bargaining claims. It is a matter for each individual union to decide to proceed to ballot on any matter, including local bargaining.
My department is considering written correspondence received from Fórsa on 9 July 2026 regarding the outcome of their recent ballots. My department remains committed to constructive engagement with Fórsa and is available to continue discussions on these matters.