Deputy Smyth recently raised issue with An Taoiseach in Dáil
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan & North Meath, Niamh Smyth, has said school secretaries need to be placed on a public service incremental scale as a matter of urgency.
Raising this matter in the Dáil yesterday with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Deputy Smyth said, "They still receive no illness benefit, and there is no pension scheme in place for them.
"School secretaries were, as we know, to the forefront in dealing with the pandemic and making sure our schools stayed open, dealing with parents, students and teachers, with none of the benefits. It is disgraceful that we are in a situation whereby they must sign on during the Christmas and Easter holidays, considering the job they do.
"They are valued members of our school communities the length and breadth of the country. The WRC has instructed that further talks take place on 24 February. ''
Deputy Smyth asked the Taoiseach to ensure that these workers, who are predominantly women, are treated not just with platitudes but with remuneration and that they have a proper standing within the Department of Education.
In response, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is leading on the broader issue of pay and conditions.
"This issue is scheduled to be discussed in further meetings within the industrial relations process. We would like that to be brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible.''
