Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I, too, acknowledge the work of school secretaries and caretakers. Without them, our schools simply would not function. They have obviously had to battle not just for fair pay and equality, but also fair terms and conditions. They have been in a most unfair system for some time. I also acknowledge the work of Fórsa in bringing this dispute to the position that it is in now.

I welcome the moves and the details outlined by the Minister in relation to pay scales and pay equality. The Minister noted that this has been agreed in principle for caretakers, which is welcome. However, when the Tánaiste made that commitment on 8 October 2020, he said it would apply not just to pay but also to improved terms and conditions and pension rights for school secretaries. I am seeking reassurance from the Minister that that remains her position, and it does not just relate to pay equality, but also to the terms and conditions and sick pay and pension entitlements. Perhaps the Minister will outline her position on those points.

See this speech in context