Fórsa’s Cavan Monaghan branch delegation included Barry Cunningham (assistant general secretary, pictured) and Paul Gibbons of Fórsa’s Monaghan branch who joined MEP Matt Carthy for a live panel discussion in the European Parliament.

Carthy described the members of Fórsa’s Cavan and Monaghan branches who travelled to Brussels last week as “committed representatives of their fellow workers who used the opportunity provided to bring their concerns directly to the heart of EU decision making.”

Topics discussed included Ireland’s current housing crisis and Fórsa’s involvement in the Raise the Roof campaign.

The panel also examined Brexit and its implications on workers, particularly in border counties.

Barry also spoke about Fórsa’s upcoming campaign to achieve pay parity for school secretaries.

Currently, many school secretaries are paid via grants instead of by the Department of Education directly. This leaves them without a pension, having no sick leave entitlements and in a position whereby they require social welfare assistance throughout the summer months.

You can watch the full discussion here.