1302. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the situation in relation to school caretakers (details supplied). [24369/26]

1303. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reasons the pay agreement for school caretakers, similar to that implemented for school secretaries in 2023, has not yet been implemented. [24370/26]

1304. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will engage with a union (details supplied) and relevant Departments to expedite resolution of outstanding issues, including pension arrangements [24371/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1302, 1303 and 1304 together.

Caretakers are at the heart of the school and are the key interface between students, parents, school leaders and other staff. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable. In supporting these vital school staff members, we also support the school community as a whole.

My Department has been engaging with Fórsa and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation over the past number of months under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to a number of claims including an agreement for school caretakers, similar to that which was offered to school secretaries in February 2022.

The matter was referred to the Labour Court and a hearing took place on 12th January 2026. Both parties await the recommendation of the Court. The parties remain in process, and my department remains committed and ready to engage with Fórsa to reach a resolution on this important matter.

As with any industrial relations process, where engagement is sensitive and complex, the matters under discussion are confidential until this process concludes.