Tipperary TD meets with Fórsa members outside his constituency office

On September 2, secretaries and caretakers from Tipperary gathered outside the local constituency office of TD Michael Lowry.

This is following the indefinite strike action taken by Fórsa members nationwide that commenced August 28, in protest at their exclusion from public service pensions and basic entitlements.

Deputy Michael Lowry later met with representatives of Fórsa members, along with school secretaries and caretakers.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Lowry said:

"I listened carefully to the concerns of school secretaries and caretakers. I fully empathise with their position and I recognise the important contribution they make to the day-to-day running of our schools. Their roles are not only essential to the effective management and administration of our schools, but also to the safety and welfare of the pupils who attend.”

Deputy Lowry acknowledged that anomalies exist within the current system, which have led to inequalities in terms of pay and pension entitlements for these vital staff members.

“These are issues that require meaningful discussion and agreement. I am committed to working with all parties to ensure that a fair and sustainable resolution is reached. I will engage with the Minister for Finance & Public Expenditure to facilitate this.”

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However two weeks on, there are no signs yet of movement to settle the dispute.

Fórsa claims that it has the backing of 40 Government representatives, including 29 TDs, one minister, a minister of state, four senators, and three MEPs.

However, they lack the support of Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers. His department, responsible for managing public finances, opposes granting public servant status to school secretaries and caretakers. While the financial impact may be minimal, the concern lies in the potential precedent it could set for other indirect state employees.