84. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39489/24]

A range of measures introduced over the last year demonstrate my commitment to continued investment in our education system. In addition to numerous actions taken in recent years to address teacher supply, a number of specific, targeted measures were introduced with new funding provided, including funding of €4 million for a PME fee refund scheme, which was launched in September 2024. Further details of this scheme are available here: www.gov.ie/en/circular/b389b-professional-master-of-education-pme-fee-refund-scheme/

This PME fee refund scheme has been introduced for newly qualified teachers graduating in 2024. Those newly qualified teachers who graduate with a PME will, subject to some conditions, be eligible for an incentive payment of up to €2,000. This incentive payment will be paid to eligible primary and post-primary teachers in 2025.

This is separate to any measures regarding funding for the overall higher education sector, which are led by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.