Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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313. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason reinstatement of the special education teacher diploma allowance for primary school teachers did not proceed given 78 branches supported this measure in an effort to ensure special education qualification are recognised. [41118/26]

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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358. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria that was considered, and the engagement she had with representative bodies and the Department of Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding the reinstatement of the special education teacher diploma allowance for primary school teachers. [41117/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 358 together.

The current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, 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.

In this regard, the Department had extensive and constructive engagement with the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, who represent primary school teachers and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) The INTO elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, which have been agreed with the Department and are outlined in Circular 54/2026. These measures are specifically targeted at addressing identified areas of challenge in recruitment and retention.

As such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for the Minister to comment any further at this time.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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314. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated total cost per year of reinstating the special education teacher diploma allowance for all existing teachers in special education who hold the diploma and do not receive the allowance. [41119/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, 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.

In this regard, the Department had extensive and constructive engagement with the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, who represent primary school teachersand the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). The INTO has elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, which have been agreed with the Department and are outlined in Circular 54/2026. These measures are specifically targeted at addressing identified areas of challenge in recruitment and retention.

As such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for the Minister to comment any further at this time.