Education and Training Provision
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-24
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Nessa Cosgrove (LAB), Labour Panel

I thank the Minister of State for his response, which is very disappointing. It is an insult, and 7% is an insult. Section 56, section 10 and section 39 workers, Tús workers and Citizens Information employees all got the settlement of 9.25%. The latter are funded organisations as well, but the Government is saying that 7% is acceptable. The WRC ruled in favour of SIPTU in respect of the claim of 9.25%. It is very insulting that the Government has gone back to say that the workers should accept 7% when the WRC has issued a ruling in respect of the 9.25%. It is insulting to the people they are working with that their work is not appreciated. In comparison with secondary school teachers, there can be a discrepancy of €11,500, even though they are supporting the same young people and the same cohort. No one wants to go on strike, but 98% of CTC employees have balloted in favour of industrial action. The Government needs to start treating them with respect. What they are looking for is what those in similar groups that are funded by Departments - these are not directly employed staff - have received. It is imperative that the Government take this very seriously, because no one wants to go on strike.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:06+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-24