Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
329. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if an increased allowance for special care has been rejected by the Department of Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, if so, the reason for this; the action she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA business case seeking to increase the Special Care allowance was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation (DPER) for consideration in 2023.
In response, DPER advised that Tusla should implement agreed Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) unwinding measures and outstanding general round pay increases to the Special Care allowance, as appropriate.
DPER also advised that Section 4.2.5 of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 (PSA) sets out that “no further cost increasing claims in pay and conditions, outside of those advanced under this provision, will be initiated or implemented during the period of this Agreement.” DPER further advised that it is open to Tusla and the relevant unions/associations representing Tusla staff to utilise the local bargaining provisions within the PSA, to progress further increases to the Special Care allowance, subject to the conditions of that agreement.
Since DPER's response on the business case, the Special Care allowance has increased by approximately 23%, owing to FEMPI unwinding and general round pay increases.
Additionally, in 2024, Department officials supported Tusla to develop and submit a business case seeking adjustments to the salary scales in Special Care. In response to this business case, DPER sanctioned the creation of a new Special Care Worker grade.
At the top of the scale, the new grade’s salary is higher by approximately €11,600 (19%) for Social Care Workers and approximately €2,300 (3%) for Social Care Leaders, as of February 2026. Tusla has also been awarded delegated sanction to appoint successful candidates up to point 5 of the new scale, subject to relevant qualifications and experience.
