22.09.2025
To all ETBs
RE: Professional Master of Education (PME) Fee Refund Scheme
A number of claims for the Professional Master of Education (PME) Fee Refund Scheme have been received by the Department. Teachers who meet eligibility, as set out in the linked circular below, will be entitled to a payment of €2,000, subject to statutory deductions, under this scheme.
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/984e067b-00692024-.pdf
The Teacher Supply and Workforce Planning Unit (DEY) have confirmed that everyone on these lists meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme once the minimum service has been confirmed by the ETB. ESBS Payroll Operations have uploaded a file containing claimants details both active and dormant, to the Hive for you to ensure they meet the final eligibility requirements as set out below.
Applicants must have completed the following minimum service in approved teaching posts in recognised primary or post primary schools during the 2024/25 school year either:
1. a minimum of 109 days in a primary school(s), or
2. a minimum of 100 days, or 440 hours in a post-primary school(s).
This document will be saved in a folder called “PME allowance review”.
Please provide an ETTO file to ESBS for all eligible claimants using the pay code 4907 PME allowance with the value of €2000.
The standard rejoiners process should be followed for staff deemed entitled to payment but who have left the ETB’s employment.
Regards
Gill
Gill Begley
Payroll Operations Manager
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An Roinn Oideachais agus Óige
Department of Education and Youth
An 4ú hUrlár, The Generali Building, Páirc Mhiondíola Bhaile Bhlainséir, Baile Bhlainséir, D15 YT2H
Floor 4, The Generali Building, Blanchardstown Retail Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 YT2H
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Phone + 353 (01) 889 2398