Special needs assistants (SNAs) have highlighted situations where they are being tasked with work outside of their job description, including the laying of concrete and cleaning out fish tanks.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath has said he hopes further engagement between his officials and public service unions will lead to a pay agreement by the end of this month.

Fórsa’s claim for civil service bereavement leave arrangements to be extended to staff in schools, higher education and education and training boards (ETBs) is set for further discussions in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Fórsa has broadly welcomed a new national strategy on domestic, gender and sexual based violence as a step in the right direction. The union has also called on the Government to introduce statutory paid leave for victims of domestic violence.

The Government must reverse three decades of failed policy that abandoned social housing to the market, according to an expert on housing policy.