Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1132. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the person’s PME scheme application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74783/25]
View answerThis Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.
A range of measures have been introduced to support schools in their recruitment efforts. One such measure is the PME Fee Refund Scheme. The Department published Circular 0069/2024 Professional Master of Education (PME) Fee Refund Scheme in September 2024. This circular provides the eligibility criteria and application process for the scheme. The circular also states that applicants must be newly qualified teachers that have successfully completed a PME programme in 2024 calendar year. The completion of the course work in itself does not satisfy the requirement that applicants have successfully completed their PME programme. To have successfully completed a PME programme, a student must have received their results from the provider showing the successful completion of the programme.
As part of the verification process, the Department confirmed with the Teaching Council those applicants who graduated with a PME qualification in 2024.
Over 1,800 applications were received with over 1,500 teachers paid to date. Further payments will issue as the remaining small number of applications are finalised.
I can confirm that my Department has been in contact with the person referred to in the question in relation to their application.
