How many days must a teacher work during the school year?
Applicants must work as teachers, either full-time or part-time, for at least 60% of the current school year. For teachers working at primary level this equates to 109 school days.
Must the 109 school days be consecutive school days?
No. The 109 days do not need to be consecutive school days.
What Professional Masters of Education (PME) courses qualify?
Course completed must lead to a post-graduate masters qualification. These courses must be accredited by the Teaching Council for the purposes of registration in accordance with the Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education. Post-graduate courses completed outside the Republic of Ireland and which lead to registration with the Teaching Council do not qualify for this payment.
Does a teacher who completed a PME programme in the 2023 calendar year or in previous years qualify for the payment?
No. The scheme is open to teachers who completed a Professional Masters of Education (PME) programme during the 2024 calendar year only.
How much of a payment will a teacher receive?
The payment for the fee refund scheme is €2000. This amount will be subject to the usual statutory deductions including tax, PRSI, USC. The net amount received will depend on a teacher’s individual tax liabilities.
If successful in an application, when will the payment be received?
It is expected that payment will be made after the completion of the 2024/25 school year. The INTO will engage regularly with the DE to ensure a timely and prompt payment.
Is the payment pensionable?
No. The payment is not reckonable for pension purposes. Therefore, no pension deductions will be made.
Is there a closing date for receipt of applications?
Yes. The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 July 2025.
Following review of the Circular and these FAQs, if a teacher believes that they have an entitlement to this payment, what should they do?
They should make the application when the application process opens in January 2025.
If a teacher makes an application and it is refused, can this be appealed?
Yes. There will be an appeals process. Information in relation to the appeals process will be provided when the application process opens.
Where can a teacher get further information about the Teacher Fee Refund scheme?
Teachers can email PME_refundscheme@education.gov.ie
