193. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria for the allocation of the special education teacher allowance; if her Department is considering an extension of this allowance to other special school staff such as special needs assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44754/26]

In respect of pay and allowances, the Government is committed to the delivery of quality public services and continues to approach public service pay in a balanced way that is reasonable and fair to both public servants and to the taxpayer. This has been achieved through a series of national collective agreements, agreed between trade unions and the Government, applying across the public sector.

Under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 (PSA), which has been approved by Government and applies to all public servants, pay increases totalling 9.25% are provided for up to June 2026. These terms were collectively agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The PSA also 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. The PSA concludes on 30 June 2026.

As teachers are represented by a number of trade unions, it is for each representative organisation to negotiate on behalf of their members.

The INTO has opted to use their Local Bargaining Fund to settle a number of claims one of which is the Allowance for Teachers working in Special Schools. This allowance will be paid to Teachers employed in recognised Special Schools, who satisfy the eligibility criteria as outlined in Department of Education and Youth circular 54/2026.

Negotiations for the 1% fund with Fórsa Trade Union representing SNAs is ongoing with the Department.

Additional amendments to teacher and SNA Terms and Conditions, including pay, can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the Government and the Public Service unions. Such changes can occur only under those processes, and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by the Department, the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the relevant unions.