Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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356. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an allowance will be given to principals in recognition of leading and managing non-teaching staff (details supplied); if an allowance will be given to teachers and principals working in special need schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35585/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Following a Government Decision in September 2012, my Department implemented the outcome of the review of allowances and premium payments by the then Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. As a result, many allowances were no longer payable to many new public service entrants including “new entrant” teachers. Among the allowances that had sanction for payment to new beneficiaries removed was the Diploma in Special Education allowance.

Under the local bargaining provision for Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment. Over the course of recent collective agreements, amendments have been agreed which have seen the value of certain allowances previously withdrawn being integrated into “new entrant” teacher pay. Examples are the equivalent of an honour’s primary degree allowance and the PME allowance.

In terms of the possible introduction or reintroduction of any allowance, additional amendments to Teacher Terms and Conditions, including pay and allowances, give rise to significant cost issues and can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the Government and the public service unions or through the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forum.