Claire Kerrane
Question:276. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if school secretaries have had their new pay backdated; if not, when this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52271/23]
View answerTuesday, 28 November 2023
Questions (276)
Written answers
My Department is providing a payroll service for school secretaries with effect from 1st September 2023. There are currently in excess of 2,600 secretaries on payroll.
As part of the implementation of the pay agreement for school secretaries, salary arrears have been calculated for all secretaries eligible for the payment. These arrears payments were received through the payroll on the 23rd November 2023. Those due payments under this first phase also received written correspondence detailing the arrears that were paid. The first phase involved payments to secretaries who are currently on my Department’s payroll system.
The next phase of arrears payments will commence shortly. All secretaries due payments in this next phase will receive written communication containing details of the payments to be made. Secretaries who opted into the new arrangements and are not currently on the Department’s payroll because of retirement or resignation prior to 01/09/2023 will be issued any arrears due in this next phase.
The arrears due to school secretaries is the difference between the new Grade III salary and the grant funded salary for the 21/22 and 22/23 school years. Calculation of the arrears include pay increases that are in line with those given under Building Momentum and, also, increments payable since September 2021 for the calculated Grade III salary.