Minister Naughton welcomes agreement on first phase Local Bargaining Fund for teachers and principals in primary and special schools
- Foilsithe: 21 Bealtaine 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 21 Bealtaine 2026
The Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, has welcomed an agreement on the use of the first tranche of the Local Bargaining Fund for teachers and principals working in primary and special schools.
The agreement follows constructive engagement between the Department of Education and Youth and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO). A circular issued today outlines how the funding will be applied in the primary education sector.
Local bargaining is an important part of the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026, enabling employers and unions to work together at a sectoral level to address specific pay-related issues, including the introduction of targeted allowances where needed.
Under the agreement, up to 3% of basic pay may be allocated to support sector-specific priorities through local bargaining arrangements. This funding will be introduced on a phased basis, with the first phase making available funding equivalent to 1% of pay costs. The remaining 2% will be considered as part of any future pay agreement.
Agreement has now been reached with the INTO on the introduction of the following allowances:
i) An allowance for Primary Teachers working in schools recognised as Gaeltacht Schools under the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme (GSRS)
ii) An allowance for Primary Teachers working in Gaelscoileanna
iii) An allowance for Teachers working in Special Schools
iv) A living Islands Allowance for Primary Teachers working on offshore islands
v) An allowance for Primary Teachers working in schools designated as DEIS Band One and DEIS Plus Schools
vi) An increase to the Primary Principal Teacher Allowance
These allowances will be backdated to 1 September 2025.
The measures are designed to support the recruitment and retention of teachers and principals in primary and special schools. Eligibility for an allowance will apply for the duration of appointment to the relevant post.
Confirming the agreement, Minister Naughton said:
“I am delighted to publish this circular today. This agreement represents the first phase of local bargaining progress within the education sector and demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained and constructive engagement.
“These targeted allowances will support the attraction and retention of teachers and school leaders in our primary and special schools, whose work is so important in supporting children and young people across the country.
“The measures are focused on schools and settings that can face particular recruitment and retention challenges, and we believe that they will help provide greater continuity and consistency in students’ learning experiences.
“My officials will continue to engage with other education sector trade unions, which have submitted a range of proposals under the local bargaining fund. Further circulars will issue in the coming weeks on the outcome of negotiations.”
A set of Management Priorities have been agreed between the parties. Please see attached.
