Local TD stands in support with striking school secretaries and caretakers

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Education and Youth and TD for North Tipperary, Ryan O’Meara is urging the Minister for Education to take immediate action to prevent the ongoing strike among caretakers and secretaries.

The Fianna Fáil TD has been engaging with school secretaries and caretakers over the summer months.

Speaking on the matter today, Deputy O’Meara stated, “School secretaries and caretakers are at the heart of all our school communities. I have been inundated with calls from principals, parents and teachers communicating their strong support for the current strike action.

Deputy Ryan O’Meara and Councillor JP O’Meara joined the staff of Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan as they stand with their secretary Orla Ryan

"Schools are under serious pressure and are calling for this to be resolved. On Monday evening, I met with a local delegation to discuss their concerns. I met with them on the picket line also during the week".

Deputy O’Meara has expressed frustration over the lack of action by the Department of Education. “I am continuing to raise the concerns of secretaries and caretakers with the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee.

"It is time for serious engagement between the Department of Education and FÓRSA and the Workplace Relations Commission is the place for this in my view. I have written to Minister McEntee and requesting that she directs her officials to act now.

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“These incredibly hard working and essential staff do not want to strike. They want to be at work. But they have taken a stance on issues of importance to them and have voted to partake in an indefinite strike.

“I want to see this issue resolved and both sides coming to an agreement as soon as possible. Meaningful engagement must now take place,” he said.