News

Minister Healy-Rae backs striking secretaries and caretakers

Published

2 months ago

3 September 2025

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae joined striking school secretaries and caretakers on the picket line at the Holy Cross Mercy Convent on New Road, on Wednesday.

He expressed his full support for their campaign for fair treatment and equal conditions with other public servants.
“Our school secretaries and caretakers are the backbone of our education system,” he said. “They open the gates, take the calls, deal with parents and pupils, and keep schools safe and clean. Yet they are denied the pensions and conditions that others rightly enjoy. That is not acceptable.”
The Minister said he and his Independent colleagues will continue to press the Government to act.
“These workers are not asking for luxuries,” he added. “They are asking for dignity, respect, and parity. This strike shows their frustration after being overlooked for too long.”

News

Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West. Representatives from […]

Published

45 seconds ago

22 October 2025

AdFactory Editorial Content

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

Representatives from STEM South West met with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Fearghal Reidy, CEO of Kerry County Council, and Patrick Doyle, Regional Manager of the IDA, to discuss how STEM education and industry can be supported and expanded across the region.
The STEM South West Leaders Dialogue, held at the Muckross Park Hotel, focused on how the sector can continue to grow despite challenges such as skills shortages, competitiveness, and housing pressures. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between national and local government, education, and industry is essential.
The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a long-term strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, and to support local and multinational companies operating in STEM fields. Programmes such as the Adopt a School initiative and the annual STEM South West Careers Expo were highlighted as key ways to connect schools, students, and employers.
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“It is key that all young people are given the full opportunity to reach gainful, suitable employment. From electricians to engineers, we need to educate young people on the opportunities available to them.”
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, said the event showed strong support for more joint action across the South West.
“Ongoing collaboration across all sectors is key,” she said. “We are inviting Kerry and Cork schools and STEM companies to take part in our Adopt a School initiative and our Careers Expo on 20 November.”
Audience members also called for greater recognition of SMEs that play a vital role in regional employment and work closely with larger international companies.
STEM South West is a not-for-profit, industry-led cluster aimed at building the region’s capacity in science, technology, engineering and maths.
For more information, visit www.stemsouthwest.ie.

News

Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration. The Song […]

Published

31 minutes ago

22 October 2025

AdFactory Editorial Content

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration.

The Song Circle, taking place on Saturday, November 22 at 5:30pm, invites songwriters, composers, and performers of all styles to come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting to share their work and connect with others.
Whether you’re an experienced performer eager to showcase your own material or simply want to listen and be inspired, the Song Circle promises a warm, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates creativity and community spirit.
Organisers say the event is about more than performance , it’s about building a network of local musicians who can support and learn from one another.
The evening is free to attend, though booking is advised, as spaces are limited.
For more information or to reserve a spot, visit westendhouse.ie.

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Killarney Advertiser

Minister Healy-Rae backs striking secretaries and caretakers

News

Minister Healy-Rae backs striking secretaries and caretakers

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae joined striking school secretaries and caretakers on the picket line at the Holy Cross Mercy Convent on New Road, on Wednesday.

News

Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

News

Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration.

Attachments

Last News

Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local Rowing star Paula Moloney wins four golds at World Masters Regatta

New EV charging hubs for Killarney and Rathmore

Halloween Horror at Outlet Centre

Sport

Lakers aiming to secure first win at home to Malahide

Killarney Athletic stalwart Donie does it for the love of the game

Hosts Killarney defeat neighbours Tralee in local ‘Ryder Cup’

Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite

Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC

Killarney Advertiser

Minister Healy-Rae backs striking secretaries and caretakers

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae joined striking school secretaries and caretakers on the picket line at the Holy Cross Mercy Convent on New Road, on Wednesday.

You may like

News

Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

News

Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration.

Attachments

Last News

Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local Rowing star Paula Moloney wins four golds at World Masters Regatta

New EV charging hubs for Killarney and Rathmore

Halloween Horror at Outlet Centre

Sport

Lakers aiming to secure first win at home to Malahide

Killarney Athletic stalwart Donie does it for the love of the game

Hosts Killarney defeat neighbours Tralee in local ‘Ryder Cup’

Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite

Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC