1562. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the additional payment to teachers in recognition of working in a DEIS+ school; if this payment will also be made to SNAs in these schools; if so, when this will occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64063/26]

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.

The Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 (PSA), which expired on 30th June 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.

The manner in which funding available under local bargaining is utilised is a matter for each union, and decisions regarding its application rest with the union concerned. The INTO, representing teachers in the primary education sector, elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, including the introduction of a DEIS allowance, which have been agreed with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitilisation (DPER).

As part of agreements made under the Local Bargaining provision, an allowance for eligible primary teachers working in DEIS Band One and DEIS Plus schools is being introduced at the rate set out in Appendix 5 of Circular Letter 0054/2026.

The revised rate of payments together with any retrospective monies due under this agreement have been made to contracted teachers. Arrangements are underway to make payment to teachers who have worked in a substitute and/or part-time capacity since 1st September 2025.

The revised rate of payment for teachers working in a substitute and/or part-time capacity will be made on 22nd October 2026. This means that any payment submitted from this date onwards will be paid under the new arrangements. Arrears due from the 1st September 2025 will be made no later than 17th December 2026.

Fórsa, trade union, representing SNAs, did not elect to use its Local Bargaining fund in this way. Any amendments to SNA terms and conditions, including amendments to pay, can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the Government and the Public Service Unions.