Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I know that this issue predates the Minister of State's tenure and dates back to the late 1970s. I do not believe this situation would be tolerated in any other workplace or occupation. The facts are stark. About 300 or 10% of school secretaries are entitled to holiday pay, sick pay and pension entitlements. Therefore, the Department of Education and Skills is discriminating against 90% of school secretaries in State schools. It is ironic that this is taking place in cradles of learning - schools. This is very bad not only for the secretaries but also for everybody involved. Last week Fórsa organised a one-hour stoppage which was supported not only by their colleagues - the other 10% - but also by the teacher unions, parents and, most importantly, students. It is a great anomaly that amounts to pay apartheid in schools and the secretaries want the Department to address it immediately.

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