Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
314. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated total cost per year of reinstating the special education teacher diploma allowance for all existing teachers in special education who hold the diploma and do not receive the allowance. [41119/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.
In this regard, the Department had extensive and constructive engagement with the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, who represent primary school teachersand the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). The INTO has elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, which have been agreed with the Department and are outlined in Circular 54/2026. These measures are specifically targeted at addressing identified areas of challenge in recruitment and retention.
As such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for the Minister to comment any further at this time.
