Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

170. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of cost of increasing the PME incentive scheme by €2,000. [38589/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.

Budget 2024 introduced several measures reflecting this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply issues. Included was a new bursary-type, fee refund scheme for teachers graduating with a PME (professional master of education) in 2024.

This €2,000 payment will be made in 2025 to eligible primary and post-primary teachers. The purpose of this scheme is to encourage newly qualified teachers who have completed a PME in 2024 to take up teaching roles.

The estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of increasing the PME scheme payment for each eligible teacher by €2,000 would be approximately €4 million.