Written answer
School Staff
1219. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason teachers' personal daily rates were not correctly applied to the 2026 Summer Programme payments; when her Department first became aware of the issue with payments (details supplied); when the outstanding amounts will be paid to affected staff; the measures that will be put in place to prevent this reoccurring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60872/26]
Comment on this
Details of this year’s Summer Programme were published on the 6th May 2026. Funding of €62 million has been secured to ensure the continuance of the annual investment in the 2026 Summer Programme. As in previous years, all of the funding will be utilised to meet the associated costs and ensure a comprehensive programme.
All schools have been given an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it most so that these children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting
The main priority again in 2026 has been that those children with complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, have access to a school-based programme.
In response to the Deputy’s questions, Department officials became aware that, due to a technical issue in late July, some staff working in schools on the Summer Programme received lower-than-expected payments in payrolls issued in early August 2026. This affected a small cohort of contracted staff whose payment claims were approved by schools between the 16th to the 22nd of July.
The Department regrets that this error occurred and wishes to assure affected staff that the matter is being fully rectified. The outstanding balances are expected to be paid through payrolls issuing on the 10th and 17th of September 2026.
Department officials would also like to reassure the Deputy and affected staff that measures have been implemented to prevent a recurrence of this issue.
The Department wishes to sincerely thank teachers and SNAs who participated in the Summer Programmes in 2026.