Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is clear from the Minister's response that none of the school secretaries will be included for this summer. At the earliest, they might be included by the Christmas holidays but it will more than likely be Easter or summer of next year. That is disappointing. While I know significant work is required, surely it is possible to start moving people to the scheme, even at this early stage. The Department has known about this for some time and the secretaries are in place. The information should be readily available. Given that 95% of school secretaries endorsed this decision and there is strong support for it among the workforce, it must be very disappointing for them to see it will be next year at the earliest before they can qualify. I ask that the Department expedite the work to ensure this happens quicker. Based on the dates the Minister has given, according to which the initial stage is to be undertaken by the end of September, nothing will happen before then. Is that correct?

See this speech in context