29th January 2019
INTO is aware that a number of substitute members have been affected by a technical problem in the Department of Education and Skills (DES), arising from the PAYE modernisation project. We understand from the DES that some substitutes were “ceased” by the DES payroll and this resulted in them being over taxed in last week’s payroll. INTO has been in contact with DES seeking clarifications for our members, and assurances that
the matter will be resolved quickly. Currently, we are advised that individual substitutes affected by this do not need to contact Revenue or the DES.
INTO acknowledges the size and complexity of the DES payroll, but this should not have happened. The teachers involved are among our most vulnerable members, who are dependent on casual work, and who are ensuring that there are qualified teachers in classrooms when teachers are absent. The Minister appeared to acknowledge the need for supply panels, and proper pay for substitutes last Friday. This rings hollow in the face of the reality of substitute teachers who received substantially reduced payments on Thursday.
We urge the DES and Revenue to resolve the issue and ensure that hard pressed subs are refunded the over-deducted tax as soon as possible. INTO will continue to press for this resolution.