Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has today called on the Minister for Education to re-engage with the representatives of school secretaries, and ensure fairness and equality once and for all.

The Cork South Central TD said:

“I am concerned by reports this morning that the WRC talks between the Department of Education and Fórsa, aiming to secure pay equality and fair conditions for school secretaries, have been adjourned.

“Secretaries have been fighting for respect and equality for decades, yet the Department continues to drag their feet.

“This behaviour is particularly shocking and frustrating given the Tánaiste gave a commitment as far back as October 2020 that his government would address this and finally secure pay equality and pension entitlements for secretaries. 

“School secretaries are invaluable members of our schools and our communities, often working above and beyond their job requirements. They work on the front line, and are the first port of call for parents and students. Without them, our schools would simply not function.

“Secretaries are not asking for the earth; all they want is the pay equality, improved working conditions and pensions that they are entitled to.

“School secretaries cannot be expected to continue to sign-on when school buildings are closed. This is not equality, and puts them in an incredibly precarious position over the school holidays.

“We need an urgent decision here, secretaries can’t continue to be kept in limbo. The Department of Education must secure pay equality and far improved conditions for our secretaries, and finally put this issue to bed.”