Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the earlier contributions while in my office. As a rural Deputy who lives in an area with a significant number of national schools which very much rely on their school secretaries, I know that school secretaries are embedded in their community. It is important that we acknowledge that. It has been recognised by all Members who have spoken thus far. Deputy Healy referred to this being a legacy issue which goes back 40 years. It is important to recognise what school secretaries do within communities. It is not just a job; it is being part of the community, the school and the educational facilities of an area. Many secretaries are embedded in the school because they attended the school or their children or other family members do so. It is important that we recognise the work they do because schools and principals cannot function without a school secretary.

I spent the past two hours with departmental officials and representatives of the Minister's office, working on trying to progress this issue. I left the meeting to speak on it in the Chamber. It is important that we communicate with one another and ensure that we try to resolve this situation. The Minister may update us further in his closing address.

I acknowledge the work done by Fórsa in highlighting the issue and ensuring it is brought to this stage. On my behalf and that of the Government and the Department of Education and Skills, I wish to state that school secretaries are a very important part of society. We need to ensure that everything is resolved in the best manner possible.

See this speech in context