Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
390. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the considerations given to recognising service prior to 1 May 2015 in calculating the exgratia lump sum for school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68391/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra391. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the provisions being made for school secretaries and caretakers who retired between the commencement of the dispute and the date of acceptance of the Labour Court proposals in July 2026, given that the recommended exgratia lump sum applies only to staff aged 40 and over at the point of acceptance and may exclude those who retired earlier despite long service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 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 to try and resolve this dispute over the past year, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court, in relation to a number of claims.
On 1st September 2026, following intensive and constructive engagements at the WRC, a set of proposals to settle three of the four claims was recommended by the WRC which both parties have agreed to recommend for acceptance. The issues agreed upon were a pay framework for caretakers, bereavement leave for school secretaries and caretakers, and sick leave/acute illness leave for school secretaries and caretakers.
With regards to the claim for a comparable pension entitlement, following hearings in the Labour Court a recommendation was issued by the Court to the parties on 15 July 2026. My Department will closely consider the recommendation of the Court and engage with colleagues in Government as appropriate.
As the parties remain in process, it is not appropriate to make any further comment until such time as the process concludes.
