Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2019
173. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that his Department and the Revenue Commissioners have resolved technical issues that led to the non-payment of teachers in January 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38646/19]
View answerI wish to clarify for the Deputy that all teachers were paid in January 2019.
An issue arose at that time in relation to incorrect amounts of income tax being deducted from substitute and part- time teachers. This arose as incorrect end dates were included in payroll submissions reported to Revenue under the changes introduced by the modernization of PAYE. The inclusion of these end-dates in the Departments' submissions automatically ceased the DES employment of those concerned in Revenue records and resulted in their available tax credits being made available to other employments. When the Department next requested updated Revenue Payroll Notifications for those impacted, Revenue had already ceased the employments and transferred tax credits leaving no tax credits or cut offs available for their continuing employments by the Department
The payroll software was amended for payrolls after the 17th January 2019 to prevent an end date transferring to Revenue. This resolved the problem and refunds of tax were issued to the people involved.
Staff of my Department actively engaged with the Revenue Commissioners to address the problem at the time. They have liaised with during the year and continue to liaise with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that no further issues will arise to prevent correct RPN details being applied.
