Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

School secretaries have my full support and that of Sinn Féin. Many Members have mentioned that secretaries are probably the first port of call for any situation. As parents, we have all phoned the school seeking assistance and it is always the school secretary who answers. Many points have been made about equality in wages and fair pay. This issue has been ongoing since 1978 and it still has not been sorted out. It is about fairness and equality within the workplace. Schools and the education system need secretaries. Inequality always causes friction. I do not know if previous speakers mentioned parity between capitation grants and what capitation is supposed to be used for. It is totally unacceptable to force schools to choose between secure pay and conditions for secretaries, heating the school or paying for the lighting in the year ahead. We have not learned anything since 1978. Previous speakers mentioned very low pay and the absence of holiday and sick pay. The greatest worry for schools secretaries is the lack of job security. The service they provide in schools and the education system is priceless and vital. It complements the education system and builds trust in the system and schools. The Government does not recognise that. It must give secretaries what they are entitled to, namely, fairness and equality. They play an invaluable role in the educational sector, the community and our towns, villages and cities. I commend school secretaries and wish and pray that this issue will be sorted for the betterment of everybody.

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