Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Tá súil agam go ngabhfaidh an Cathaoirleach mo leithscéal go bhfuil mo shrón plúchta inniu. I raise the plight of school secretaries. Everyone in the Chamber fully appreciates the great work school secretaries do throughout the country. Many schools could not operate without them. The problem we have is there is a two-tier structure for school secretaries. There are approximately 3,500 of them throughout the country and 10% are employed by the Department of Education and Skills and enjoy decent terms and conditions. Unfortunately, 90% do not enjoy such luxuries. They are paid out of school funds which are also used to pay the school caretaker and other expenses. As we all know, funds for schools are very limited. The problem the 90% have is that when it comes to school holidays, they are forced to sign on for social welfare. They do not enjoy any sick leave entitlements. Their salaries are also very poor. On average, they earn slightly over €12,500 per annum. It is something that needs to be addressed. I ask that the Minister for Education and Skills comes to the House to map out a road plan for us so that 90% of school secretaries, who we all agree are doing an excellent job, are paid a decent wage and have decent terms and conditions for the more than decent job they do.