Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason some teachers have not yet received an outcome to their PME refund scheme application (details supplied); when all applicants will receive same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49355/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.

A range of measures have been introduced to support schools in their recruitment efforts. One such measure is the PME Fee Refund Scheme. The Department published Circular 0069/2024 Professional Master of Education (PME) Fee Refund Scheme in September 2024. This circular provides the eligibility criteria and application process for the scheme. The circular also states that payments to applicants would issue as soon as possible after the 2024/25 school year. As the application deadline was 31 July 2025, and as the school year ended on 31 August 2025, some applicants remain to be paid.

Over 1,800 applications were received by the 31 July deadline. Approximately 78% of these met the eligibility criteria with over 1,100 (77%) paid to date. The Department continues to process applications and issue payments. My Department has responded directly to the Deputy in relation to the case referred to.

A number of other measures have also been introduced including a STEM bursary, expansion of upskilling programmes, flexible substitution measures, continued promotion of the profession and workforce planning for teachers and SNAs is under way.

These measures are designed to ensure a steady flow of qualified teachers into the profession and reflect the commitment to ongoing investment in the education system?to address teacher supply.

I will continue to consider further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.???