The Department of Education has now completed a series of regional workshops where senior officials have met SNAs and discussed training and development needs. Members have also raised common problems with the operation of the terms and conditions which will feed into further discussions on the review.

As a result of the Fórsa negotiated School Secretary Pay Agreement, grant paid school secretaries who would normally be laid off during the summer months will for the first time remain on full salary during weeks of school closure.

The new Higher Education Job Evaluation Scheme has this week been approved by the Department of Further and Higher Education.

The Academic Senate of UCD recently took a decision to approve retrospective accreditation for those SNA students who completed the National SNA Training Programme before the Department of Education and UCD agreed on a Level 6 accreditation.

Fórsa will be making a further submission to Revenue seeking Flat Rate Expenses for members across the Education Division.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for the national minimum wage to be increased in January 2024 by €2, making the hourly rate €13.30.