Teacher Fee Refund Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017

Thursday, 14 December 2017

Ceisteanna (174)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

174. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who availed of the fee refund scheme in each of the years from 2011 to 2016; the average amount paid to teachers in fee refunds in each of the years from 2011 to 2016; if these payments differ between primary and post-primary teachers; the number of applications to avail of funding in each of the years from 2011 to 2016; the funding provided for the scheme in each of the years from 2011 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53548/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The purpose of the Teacher Fee Refund Scheme is to provide funding towards the cost of course participation and examination fees on successful completion of professional development courses that are directly relevant and of benefit to schools and that are subject to certification/award by an appropriate accreditation authority recognised by my Department.

Applications for funding under the Scheme are made retrospectively for a course undertaken during the previous academic year.

My Department allocates €500,000 per annum to the scheme.  

The Refund of Fees scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by Marino Institute of Education. 

The table provides the number of teachers availing of the Scheme from the 2011/12 academic year to the most recent data available which is for the 2015/16 academic year. The table provides the average amount paid to teachers in each year.

No Of Teachers
-	No Of Teachers	No Of Teachers	Post Primary	Primary	Average Fee
School Year	Applications	Approved	Approvals	Approvals	Refund
2011/12	563	441	270	171	€1,124.72
2012/13	755	683	354	329	€708.64
2013/14	805	764	349	398	€654.45
2014/15	1039	983	445	538	€508.65
2015/16	1227	1158	495	663	€440.41