I raised the issue of school secretaries and caretakers in October 2021 with the Tánaiste. At that time, we got a very positive response. Negotiations have been ongoing, but there is an issue in respect of allowing school secretaries access to the public service superannuation scheme. This has not yet been brought to the Cabinet. My understanding is that it can be done by way of statutory instrument. It is an issue that is holding up progress with the negotiations to once and for all give school secretaries and caretakers what they deserve, including the quality of payment and increments in pensions they deserve and require.

We are very anxious to get this matter resolved and concluded. As the Deputy knows, talks with the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, have been ongoing for quite some time. Subject to agreement on all elements of the claims, the Department of Education has offered to move school secretary pay rates to a scale that is aligned with the clerical officer grade III pay scale on a pro rata basis, according to the secretaries' current working patterns. The Department has also offered to improve the conditions for school secretaries with regard to sick leave, annual leave and maternity provisions for this cohort of this staff. Further dialogue has taken place between the parties on these issues since 13 September last, with the aim of reaching an overall agreement. Talks are continuing, most recently at the WRC on 26 January. The parties are to meet again later this month following reflection of the matters discussed at the meeting on 26 January. I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement.