1254. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the ongoing negotiations with school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61769/26]

1466. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth the updated situation in relation to the finalisation of a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63213/26]

1543. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status, as of September 2026, of proposals to provide school secretaries and caretakers with pension parity and improved leave entitlements; the progress made in discussions with representative bodies; the outstanding issues preventing agreement; the timeline for implementation; the measures her Department will take to resolve the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63996/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1254, 1466 and 1543 together.

School secretaries and 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 to try and resolve this dispute over the past year, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), in relation to a number of claims.

On 1st September 2026, following intensive and constructive engagements at the WRC, a set of proposals to settle three of the four claims was recommended by the WRC which both parties have agreed to recommend for acceptance. The issues agreed upon were a pay framework for caretakers, bereavement leave for school secretaries and caretakers, and sick leave/acute illness leave for school secretaries and caretakers.

With regards to the claim for a comparable pension entitlement, following hearings in the Labour Court and a recommendation was issued by the Court to the parties on 15 July 2026. My Department will closely consider the recommendation of the Court and engage with colleagues in Government as appropriate.

I note Fórsa's intention to ballot its members, and I remain committed to engaging constructively with Fórsa on this matter.

As the parties remain in process, it is not appropriate to make any further comment until such time as the process concludes.