Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on talks to resolve the dispute involving school caretakers and secretaries. [54127/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Recognising the vitally important role of secretaries and caretakers within school communities, my officials have been working intensively with stakeholders, with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, to establish a platform for meaningful discussion and resolution. I believe that all parties have a responsibility to make sure that these talks succeed and that both sides must come together with an open mind without preconditions or preconceived ideas of a final outcome.

I very much welcome Fórsa’s agreement to withdraw strike action and enter discussions in the WRC. On Friday 5th September, following constructive engagement under the auspices of the WRC, an agreement was reached that would see the parties engage in a process facilitated by the WRC.

Parties commenced engagement on Wednesday 10th September, and are now working towards finding a resolution with the assistance of the WRC. This is a confidential process, and as with any industrial relations process the matters under discussion are confidential.