Fórsa’s campaign for pension justice was acknowledged in the Dáil last week as Minister for Education Helen McEntee recognised the vital contribution of school secretaries and caretakers, and the union’s ongoing effort to secure full public service status, including access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. 

Responding to a parliamentary question from TD Máiréad Farrell, about the cost of pension parity, the Minister said secretaries and caretakers are “at the heart of the school” and “the key interface between students, parents, school leaders and other staff.”  The minister added: “Without them, our schools would be unsustainable.”

Minister McEntee acknowledged Fórsa’s call for pension parity as “an important objective,” but said the Department of Education and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform would ultimately need to consider any proposals.  

Nevertheless, the minister’s response strongly suggests a clear recognition of Fórsa’s campaign and the legitimate expectation that secretaries and caretakers be treated the same as other public service staff. 

The Dáil exchange took place as Fórsa continues to ballot more than 2,300 school secretaries and caretakers for indefinite strike action. The ballot follows more than a year of inaction by the State on pension inclusion—despite the regularisation of employment and centralised payroll arrangements for school secretaries in 2023. 

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike said: “We welcome the minister’s recognition of the critical role secretaries and caretakers play in schools and the acknowledgment of our campaign, a message the minister delivered in person to our conference in April.  

“But warm words are no substitute for action. The 2023 agreement was a landmark, but it left one serious gap that needs to be addressed. And that’s why members are voting to take action on pensions. 

“Pension justice is not a bonus. It’s a basic entitlement. Like other staff working under the Department’s remit, school secretaries and caretakers deserve equal treatment, including fair access to the public service pension scheme.” 

He added that Fórsa continues to press both departments to engage meaningfully with the union to deliver a fair and lasting resolution: “This campaign is about dignity, respect, and recognition. It’s about finishing what we started. This ballot sends a clear message that our members are determined to see the process through.” 

School Secretaries and caretakers continue to host information meetings around the country to raise awareness. Collectively, these meetings have now been attended by over 1000 people, powerfully demonstrating the impact and reach an organised group of workers can have. 

Next week a campaign briefing will take place in Leinster House. Members will explain how the current situation impacts their lives, in their own words, to TDs and Senators. 

The ballot concludes next Wednesday, 11th June. 

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