Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am aware of the increase of 10% that was awarded, but I question whether the majority caught in this situation as direct employees of boards of management have received it. I came across one secretary who was working in three separate schools, something she does not mind doing, but she should be on the same rates of pay. Secretaries in different schools can be on different rates of pay. They have taken on additional responsibilities such as the use of computers, extra administration work and paperwork. New grades were created in local authorities at the stroke of a pen during the boom years. New grades have also been created in the Civil Service. We need to recognise that the people in question on the front line are providing a very important service in primary and secondary schools. Negotiations held last Wednesday morning did not deliver on the issue of pay and conditions. Having to sign on during the school holidays, the lack of pension entitlements, the lack of job security and pay are the four key issues that need to be addressed. Boards of management also need to recognise their trade union, Fórsa.

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