924. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether provision has been made, or is being considered within Budget 2027 to facilitate a negotiated settlement of outstanding industrial relations issues affecting school secretaries and caretakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58748/26]

Responsibility for the allocation and prioritisation of funding within the Department of Education and Youth rests, in the first instance, with the Minister for Education and Youth.

In the context of the annual Estimates process, officials in my Department will engage with other Departments over the coming months to determine the final departmental allocations for 2027 as part of the annual Estimates process.

Regarding the school secretaries and caretakers, I understand that talks have been ongoing between Fórsa and the Department of Education and Youth since September 2025. The Department of Education and Youth remains committed and ready to engage with Fórsa to reach a resolution to this matter.

All discussions between parties remain confidential, therefore it is not appropriate to make any further comment until such time as this process concludes.