The Department will be paying allowances to those who received a further study allowance on or before the 4th of December 2011, and will retain their current allowance.
New-entrants, or existing teachers who attain a further qualification will not be receiving any higher than the allowance afforded for the completion of an honours degree. Teachers who have not achieved an honours level degree, but may complete further studies in an education institution, will only be paid the honours degree level, in spite of their new qualification.
Those who are currently undertaking studies in the afore mentioned types of courses, have been left in limbo. These teachers are already committed to the course both professionally and financially, but are in the dark regarding payment of allowances.
In the circular the DES has said 'The position of teachers who, on 5 December 2011, were undertaking courses will be considered in the context of the public service-wide review of allowances announced in Budget 2012 which is to be led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.'
Teacher's Unions, INTO, ASTI and TUI are currently negotiating with the DES to clarify the position of these teachers, and to ensure as much as possible the payment of allowances for course completions already committed to.