Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the assimilation of primary school caretakers similar to school secretaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8283/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Firstly, let me say that caretakers are valued members of our school communities who carry out work vital to the operations of our schools. At present, the majority of primary and post-primary schools receive assistance to provide for caretaker services under ancillary grant funding. Under the February 2022 agreement the implementation of revised salary and annual leave entitlements for school secretaries is now fully operational, and lessons learned from that process are now playing a key role in the drafting of proposals to be offered to grant funded school caretakers in the near future.

At present, work is ongoing to review the results of the comprehensive survey which will enable my officials to confirm their understanding of the current working patterns as well as terms and conditions of work for school caretakers. In parallel with this, the Department are actively in communication with Fórsa on this important issue and regular bilateral meetings are occurring. Matters discussed have contributed to a clearer understanding of the differences in existing terms and conditions of caretakers to secretaries and have been helpful in forming and developing the survey.