491. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider reinstating a qualification allowance for teachers who complete recognised postgraduate qualifications in special educational needs education. [64277/26]

The Department of Education and Youth, along with other Departments across the public service, implemented the outcome of the public service-wide review of allowances and premium payments (September 2012) by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR). This meant that many allowances were no longer payable to “new entrants” including Teachers.

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), 9.25% were 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 concluded 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.

Additional amendments to teacher Terms and Conditions, including amendments to allowances, 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, DPER and the relevant unions.