The recent arbitration decision which recommended four pay increases for grant-funded school secretaries and caretakers has been welcomed by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD.

The Minister said arbitration findings were a significant step in addressing the pay concerns of school secretaries and caretakers, and acknowledged the vital role they play in the running of Irish schools.

The minister added “While the Government must maintain a sustainable approach to the cost of services, including in the education sector, as economic recovery takes hold we expect to see the benefits of that recovery being shared by all, especially those on low pay.”

The arbitration recommended four separate pay rises of 2.5 per cent for school secretaries and caretakers, who are paid from grant funding, between 2016 and 2019. Responding to the arbitration finding, IMPACT deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan said that it had not eliminated the two-tier pay system but said the proposals would end the most exploitative practices.

“This is a significant result because it sets an improving standard over the next four years, and gives us an established rate of pay, with certainty on pay improvements over the period. It doesn't solve the problem, but it does close the gap. As such, it marks a vital first step,” he said.