There are two Deputies remaining. We are out of time but I will take a 30-second question from each.

Yesterday, I met the PhD workers' alliance, which was looking for fair treatment and an end to the exploitation of PhD researchers. Will the Government take steps similar to those taken by other EU countries like Belgium, Sweden and Holland, which have moved to recognise PhD researchers as workers with employee status, contracts, pension contributions and collective bargaining rights?

Two years ago, the Government finally committed to ensuring pay equality and pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers. They are invaluable members of our schools and communities and often work above and beyond their job commitments. They work on the front lines and are the first port of call for parents and students. Without them, our schools would not function. Despite this, they have faced unequal pay and poor terms and conditions, with many working for amounts barely above the minimum wage. The current position of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, is that school secretaries should sign on during the summer. This is a fact. At the 11th hour, will the Tánaiste urge the negotiators representing the Government to drop their position that secretaries should sign on during the summer and agree to paying them over the summer?

I understand that the issue involving school secretaries and caretakers is before the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, today. I hope that it will be possible to come to an agreement to regularise their employment, which we would all support.

I am aware of the issue regarding PhD candidates. I cannot make any commitment on it today but I will ensure that the Minister, Deputy Harris, knows that it was raised in the Chamber. It is important that PhD candidates be treated fairly. We want more people to do PhDs and secure doctorates because that raises the floor for everyone.