632. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the implementation of the 1% local bargaining provision due to post-primary teachers from 1 September 2025. [65710/26]

The Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contained a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.

In this regard, the Department has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) and the relevant Unions in the Education Sector to finalise the bargaining units for the Education Sector and the quantum of funding available for each such unit.

Engagement remains ongoing in relation to the payment of Local Bargaining in respect of the Post Primary sector. As these discussions are taking place within the industrial relations process, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of matters under consideration at this time. My Department remains fully committed to constructive engagement with all parties and will continue to work through the established industrial relations mechanisms to seek agreed outcomes.