16th June 2025
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) wishes to provide the following update in respect of our local bargaining process. The Department of Education and Youth (DEY) has recently provided the union with indicative costings for 19 potential local bargaining claims. At a meeting late last week, the Central Executive Committee carefully analysed these indicative costings and, following detailed consideration of same in respect of the total funds available for the first tranche of local bargaining, taking into account Congress resolutions and union policy, alongside the comprehensive consultation with members conducted last summer, has now agreed to lodge the following claims with DEY officials.
The following claims have now been submitted:
- Claims for the restoration of allowances abolished in 2012 (Masters, Doctorate, Special Education Diploma, teaching through Irish in a school in the Scéim Aitheantais Gaeltachta, teaching through Irish in primary gaelscoileanna, teaching on offshore islands, Principals who act as secretaries to Boards of Management)
- Claims for allowances for 2011 and 2012 entrants to primary teaching to address historical losses
- An allowance for principals in recognition of leading and managing non-teaching staff
- An allowance for teachers and principals working in special schools
- An allowance for teachers and principals working in DEIS Band 1 schools
Engagement between the INTO and DEY on these claims is expected to intensify in the coming weeks to ensure that allowable claims are lined up for payment as soon as is practicable, from 1 September 2025.
Ultimately the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform will have sign off on which claims will proceed for payment from 1 September.
Should the indicative costings be revised or, in the event that any of the INTO’s claims are not permitted to proceed to payment from 1 September 2025, the CEC will consider which of INTO’s remaining claims could be submitted to DEY.
Members will be informed as soon as claim payments have been agreed.
As members will be aware phase 2 of the local bargaining process is linked to any successor agreement to the Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024-2026. The CEC will consult with members next year with regards to the list of claims the INTO should prioritise for phase 2.
Notwithstanding the claims the union has agreed to submit at this stage, all 19 claims which were costed remain important for the union and any claims not progressed for this phase will be given consideration for phase 2.