Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry for arriving late, but I had another meeting this morning. I do not want to be one of those people who asks the witnesses things they have already been asked. I completely agree with our witnesses that secretaries and caretakers, by the very nature of the work they do, do not want to be in this position or to put parents or schools in this position.

Like many parents, I am on a first name terms with our school secretary and caretaker. I have our school secretary’s number in my phone. In many ways, she is the face of our school. She provides not only all of the practical support but looks after a growing list of responsibilities, and provides emotional support to students. I am very grateful for that. This is going on far too long, and I take the point about the industrial relations structure and that it seems to be about delay.

Our witnesses are looking for action today and it is the very least they deserve. They have my support and that of my colleagues and this committee. If the witnesses could recap for me their engagement with the Department thus far, that would help.