Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
605. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if, on the basis that many school secretaries have migrated to a scheme whereby their salaries are paid directly to them by the Department of Education, are they now entitled join the civil servants' pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34833/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is providing a payroll service for school secretaries with effect from 1st September 2023. The provision of a payroll service is part of a package agreed with Fórsa, the trade union representing school secretaries, following a series of engagements at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and also includes revised terms and conditions for secretaries.
The Agreement however, which has provided for revised salary and annual leave entitlements, did not provide access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The school remains the employer of school secretaries and it is their obligation to provide access to a PRSA scheme for employees. For secretaries who are paid through the Department-administered payroll, a facility is now being offered to join a PRSA scheme administered by Cornmarket with contributions being deducted at source.
Should secretaries wish to avail of this option, they can contact Cornmarket directly – the participation of individuals in any scheme is a matter between the individual and the service provider.
